- Saudi Arabia unveiled its first aviation-focused industrial city in Jeddah.
- New MRO licenses issued to MEPC and SAEI to boost local capacity.
- Aviation hub aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy goals.
Saudi Arabia officially unveiled its first industrial city focused on aircraft production and maintenance, located in Jeddah, representing an essential milestone for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. In addition, the authorities issued more aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) licenses, demonstrating their commitment to the industry's advancement.
The event was unveiled at the Aviation Industry Forum in Jeddah, hosted under the leadership of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and managed by the National Industrial Development Center.
The gathering brought together senior officials, industry leaders, and decision-makers to review the newest advancements in the aviation industry, on both local and international levels, while examining investment prospects.
New industrial permits were issued in partnership with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI). They encompass a range of tasks, such as aircraft upkeep, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), navigation technologies, and electronic systems.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources highlighted that the new licenses will offer investors substantial advantages, such as incentives and support initiatives, to aid in localizing and expanding the aviation industry.
In this initiative, the initial aircraft maintenance license was given to Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC), while a second was issued to Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI).
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Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Engineer Khalil bin Salamah, informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the allocated area will solely serve aviation-related industries to fulfill strategic objectives.
He explained that the emphasis will be on producing aircraft components, including aluminum and titanium pieces, landing gear, and contemporary transport planes. Aircraft production is a fundamental aspect of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy, and its advancement requires determining essential investments and regulatory structures.
GACA is managing the execution of the National Aviation Strategy, designed to double the number of passengers, boost air cargo capacity, and broaden direct flight destinations to more than 250. Reaching these objectives demands airport enlargements, more airlines, expanded aircraft fleets, and improved maintenance services.