RIYADH — Boeing Saudi Arabia is a sponsor of the first ever Saudi International Airshow that will be held at the Thumamma Airport in Riyadh from March 12-14.

The sponsorship is an affirmation of Boeing’s long-term relationship with the Kingdom and underscores its partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with a range of programs and support of the local industry, said Ahmed Jazzar, president of Boeing in Saudi Arabia.

“Boeing’s participation in this important and exciting exhibition reflects the fortitude of the Saudi Arabian aerospace industry,” said Jazzar. “We at Boeing are proud to have been a strategic partner with Saudi Arabia for the last 74 years, and we continue this partnership to achieve the goals of the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030 to develop the Kingdom’s aerospace ecosystem.”

Over many years, Boeing has launched a range of economic offset programs: Al Salam Aerospace Industries, Advanced Electronics Company, Aircraft Accessories and Components Company and International Systems Engineering Company. Boeing continues to contribute to the expansion of the technical base of many local institutions in both the civil and military fields.

Boeing, Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries, and Salam Aerospace Industries established the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company, which focuses on providing sustainable employment opportunities for Saudi youth, helping to develop technical skills, and supporting national talent in the vertical aviation industry.

In March 2018, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and following the announcement by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to localize 50 percent of total military spending by 2030, Saudi Arabian Military Industries signed an agreement with Boeing to develop the local defense industry.

In January 2019, Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, The Saudi Industrial Investments Company and Saudi Arabian Mining Company to support the Saudi Arabian aerospace industry under the umbrella of Vision 2030. This MoU will contribute to the support and development of the local aerospace aluminum industry. — SG