Airbus & Saudi Industrial Center to Localise Aviation

Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development Center has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localising the aviation and helicopter industry in the Kingdom. The signing took place on the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, held under the patronage of Bandar Alkhorayef.

According to the two parties, the memorandum aims to strengthen collaboration toward establishing an integrated aviation industrial base in Saudi Arabia. Areas under study include the creation of an engineering centre to support national capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and repair, alongside the development of a dedicated logistics network to serve the sector.

The agreement also outlines cooperation on technology and knowledge transfer, encouraging global suppliers to invest locally and supporting the development of Saudi talent through education and training partnerships with domestic institutions. In addition, the parties will coordinate with relevant authorities to assess procurement opportunities, examine pathways to export-oriented production, and explore incentives and financing mechanisms to improve project readiness and competitiveness.