Localization of aviation industry top priority of Vision 2030: Alkhorayef

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, said the localization of the aviation industry is a top priority in the Saudi Vision 2030 and aligns with the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy.

This should strengthen the Kingdom’s national industrial capabilities, enhance its global competitiveness, and achieve economic diversification and sustainable development, he added, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Alkhorayef indicated that the Kingdom is working to develop an advanced industrial and investment environment for the aviation sector. This is in a bid to promote innovation, support supply chain integration, and attract high-quality investments.

On April 29, the minister met with Airbus Commercial CEO Christian Scherer and senior executives from the company’s aviation and satellite units in Toulouse.

The talks centered on boosting collaboration in aerospace and aviation manufacturing, with a focus on localizing aircraft production and maintenance in Saudi Arabia.

The minister highlighted the four-decade-long strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Airbus, calling it a key platform for expanding cooperation in aviation and satellite sectors through mutual investment.

Alkhorayef also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to help Airbus address aviation supply chain challenges by tapping into Saudi Arabia’s mineral resources, advanced logistics, and skilled workforce to foster joint investments and support industry localization.