Saudia Group Forms Powerful Partnership with GE Aerospace to Transform Fleet with GEnx Engines, Accelerating Saudi Arabia’s Aerospace Leadership and Technical Expertise

Published on December 3, 2025

Saudia Group, a leading aviation powerhouse in the MENA region, has unveiled a strategic collaboration with GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) to equip its national airline, Saudia, with state-of-the-art GEnx-1B engines for its recent acquisition of 39 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft in 2023. This partnership involves the provision of engines, a comprehensive multi-year maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement, along with spare engines. Additionally, the agreement includes a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the Kingdom’s aerospace capabilities. These initiatives, facilitated through Saudia Technic—Saudia Group’s maintenance and engineering division—will focus on advancing technical training and transferring critical knowledge, further strengthening and localizing Saudi Arabia’s aerospace sector expertise.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “This strategic partnership with GE Aerospace not only transforms the Group’s long-haul capability and expands our air connectivity, but also accelerates the localization of high-technology aviation expertise in the Kingdom. Through this agreement, we will be able to develop in-country technical capability for engines we previously maintained abroad, ensuring that investment, skills, and value remain within the Kingdom, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030.”

GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., added, “We are honored to support Saudia Group’s growth and are grateful for their trust in us. The GEnx engines will provide reliability, efficiency, and durability to power the airline’s expanded widebody fleet. Our collective efforts to further develop a skilled aerospace workforce that benefits the Kingdom and the United States will support our industry for decades to come.”

The GEnx engine family, crafted with state-of-the-art materials and innovative technologies, marks a significant advancement in modern propulsion, offering enhanced time-on-wing and exceptional reliability. Since its debut in 2011, the GEnx series has amassed over 70 million flight hours and now powers around two-thirds of the world’s 787 aircraft in service.

With over four decades of partnership, GE Aerospace has deepened its collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s aerospace sector, supporting Vision 2030 by fostering local talent and enhancing technical capabilities. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures power the four largest commercial airlines in Saudi Arabia and manage the largest fleet of F110 engines outside the United States.

Saudia Group is positioning itself as a central force in the Middle East’s aviation industry with a strategic vision aimed at long-term growth and global competitiveness. At the heart of this plan is the expansion of its fleet, which will enable the airline to launch new international routes and offer increased capacity. These efforts are not just about serving more passengers but also positioning Saudia as a dominant player on the global aviation stage. By meeting the rising demand for air travel, especially in emerging markets, Saudia is enhancing its ability to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to a wider range of international destinations.

The Group is also focused on strengthening its technical and engineering capabilities through Saudia Technic. This initiative is designed to improve the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring that Saudia’s fleet remains state-of-the-art and capable of handling growing passenger traffic. Saudia Technic is a vital part of the strategy, as it helps develop local expertise, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals in the aviation sector. This focus on technical development is crucial for maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and service quality across the airline’s operations.

These initiatives are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of transforming its economy and infrastructure. As part of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, Saudia Group’s efforts are helping to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for aviation, in line with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. By expanding its network of routes and improving its technical capabilities, Saudia is enhancing the Kingdom’s connectivity with the world, making it easier for international travelers to access Saudi Arabia and for Saudis to explore new global markets.

Ultimately, Saudia Group’s forward-thinking strategy is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic and cultural ambitions. The airline’s expansion and modernization efforts are designed not only to improve global travel options but also to elevate the Kingdom’s standing as a key player in the global aviation sector. By investing in both its fleet and its people, Saudia is contributing directly to the goals of Vision 2030, ensuring a sustainable, future-ready aviation industry that supports the Kingdom’s economic diversification and international outreach.