+77 Years of Partnership
Boeing enjoys a strong and long-standing relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The partnership began February 14, 1945, when U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented a twin-engine DC-3 Dakota airplane (manufactured by Boeing heritage company Douglas Aircraft) to King Abdulaziz Al Saud. This event marked both the beginning of the Boeing relationship with Saudi Arabia and the birth of commercial air travel in the kingdom. Since then, Boeing has developed and expanded relationships with the Saudi civilian and defense sectors as well as with the private sectors.
The importance of Saudi Arabia to Boeing was reaffirmed in 1982 when the company established Boeing Middle East Limited in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. Boeing Middle East is a 100 percent Boeing-owned, commercially registered company with full commercial contracting and employee sponsorship rights equal to any other Saudi-owned and registered company.
Asaad AlJomoai was appointed as president of Boeing Saudi Arabia in October 2023, taking the lead for strategic growth and productivity across Boeing’s operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With a strong focus on partnerships, AlJomoai is driving relations with government and enterprise stakeholders and developing new business relations to build Boeing’s presence in the region. He works closely with the aviation ecosystem in the Kingdom, in congruence with the Kingdom’s aspirational aviation development plans, and to increase sustainability in the sector in line with net zero emission goals, he is also responsible for developing the one-Boeing culture and corporate citizenship programs.
In 2006, Boeing established another Saudi subsidiary, Boeing International Support Systems–Saudi Arabia, and received three different investment licenses in 2010 to expand its operations and execute new projects and business in the Kingdom. In 2013, the company was renamed Boeing Saudi Arabia to reflect the broad scope of Boeing activities. Today, Boeing Saudi Arabia supports the execution of all Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Global Services programs in Saudi Arabia.
In 2017, Boeing and Saudi Arabia further strengthened their partnership when the U.S. at a signing ceremony that included Boeing products and services. They signed several defense and commercial agreements that would create or sustain thousands of jobs in both the United States and Saudi Arabia and enhance national security in the region. Among the announcements:
- Agreements to purchase Chinook helicopters and associated support services as well as guided weapon systems.
- Intent to order P-8 maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.
- A joint venture with Boeing to provide sustainment services for a wide range of military platforms.
- A commercial registration certificate for the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company, a newly formed joint venture between Boeing, AAI and SAEI with bases in both Riyadh and Jeddah that provides support for both military and commercial helicopters.
- An agreement between Boeing and SaudiGulf Airlines to negotiate the sale of up to 16 widebody airplanes.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
After World War II, Saudi Arabia began using the DC-3 to carry passengers and cargo between the cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran. The service proved so successful that King Abdulaziz ordered the purchase of two more DC-3s, launching the kingdom’s aviation sector. The DC-3 was the foundation of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
In 1952, five four-engine Douglas DC-4s were purchased, their greater range permitting operations to Middle Eastern destinations.
The unique Saudi Arabian VIP market has launched several Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) and represents about 70 percent of BBJ sales to the Arabian Gulf region. Different Boeing aircraft types in VIP configuration – including 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787 – have been ordered, or currently operate, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Also, Aramco Aviation (part of Saudi Aramco) has owned and operated a fleet of 737-300 and, later, 737-700 aircraft for years.
Saudia
In 1962, Saudi Arabian Airlines introduced 720Bs into service – becoming the first airline in the Middle East to operate commercial jet airplanes.
In 1972, the airline received its first five 737-200s, which replaced the DC-9s and
DC-3s. With a fleet of two 707s, two 720s and five 737-200s, its fleet was the most modern in the Middle East. In 1985–86, 10 new Boeing 747-300 Stretched Upper Deck models were delivered and introduced into service. Two years later, new 747-468, 777-268 and MD-11 aircraft were introduced into service.
In 2010–11, Saudi Arabian Airlines, now called Saudia, ordered 20 777s and 8 787-9 Dreamliners. In January 2012, Saudia received the first two 777s, which were 777-300ERs (Extended Range) with a layout of three classes, including first and business class, with new specifications and interior designs. In February 2016, the airline received its first three 787-9s, along with a 777-300ER, at a high-profile delivery ceremony in Seattle. Later that year, Boeing delivered 777-300ERs that featured a new interior design.
Saudi Airlines Cargo Company
In 2015, Saudi Airlines Cargo Company received a new 777 aircraft to further expand its global operations, increasing the company’s 777 fleet to 13 aircraft.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Boeing Defense, Space & Security has a strong partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, notably with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) as the second international customer of the F-15C/D fighter, forming the modern foundation of the nation's air defense.
As part of the Foreign Military Sales agreements signed between Saudi Arabia and the United States, Saudi Arabia has inducted F-15 Saudi Advanced fighters, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, AH-6 light attack/armed reconnaissance helicopters, Harpoon missiles with launchers, and Joint Direct Attack Munitions. The Kingdom also complements its defense capabilities with Boeing's E-3A AWACS aircraft and KC-3A cargo/tankers. In addition, the platforms are serviced with sustainment and training solutions, enhancing the operational readiness of these products.
Following an endorsement by the U.S. State Department, Boeing's contract to build CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for the Kingdom is another milestone, along with numerous autonomous systems that have been incorporated into the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and other government entities.
Partnering on its defense readiness reiterates Boeing's commitment to the Kingdom, supporting the company's overarching strategy that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Boeing Offset Companies
In 1985, Boeing and local partners began a formal program to meet offset obligations by proposing a number of industrial projects to benefit the kingdom. The following four programs were eventually adopted for implementation:
- Alsalam Aerospace Industries (AAI): A fully integrated aircraft modification, maintenance and repair center for commercial and military aircraft.
- Advanced Electronics Company (AEC): An advanced-technology company with capabilities in electronics design, development, manufacturing, repair and modification.
- Aircraft Accessories and Components Company (AACC): A precision engineering facility equipped to service, overhaul and remanufacture aircraft accessories and components to international standards.
- International Systems Engineering (ISE): A company providing a full range of computer-related software products, systems and services.
Currently, Boeing holds the largest stake at Alsalam and continues to contribute to the expansion of Alsalam’s technical base for both civil and military applications.
Boeing Global Services
Boeing Global Services combines the services capabilities of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Defense, Space & Security to provide commercial, space and government customers with uncompromising service solutions worldwide. Specifically, Global Services is focused on bringing innovative services to customers in supply chain; engineering, modifications and maintenance; digital aviation and analytics; and training and professional services.
Boeing continues to expand its services presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is committed to growing indigenous capabilities. Currently, more than 2,300 employees and partners provide services support to commercial and government customers throughout the region.
Global Services provides sustainment solutions to a number of government platforms, including AH-6, AH-64, F-15, and the 707-based AWACS and Tankers. The business also provides supply chain; digital aviation; engineering, modifications and maintenance; and training solutions to several airline customers.
Industrial and Academic Partnerships
Boeing actively supports the Saudi industrial sectors. Boeing’s objectives are to
- Support Saudi plans to develop technological capability.
- Create jobs.
- Promote “saudization” (a program to increase employment of Saudi youth).
- Create and capture new markets.
- Provide additional support to communities by investing in mathematics, science and literacy programs to prepare students to meet future challenges and enable them to realize their dreams.
Joint ventures
In 2015, Boeing signed an agreement with Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Alsalam Aerospace Industries (AAI) to create the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company (SRSC). With facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah, SRSC focuses on providing comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul support for both Boeing and non-Boeing platforms, including the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook and AH-6i. SRSC services include:
- Comprehensive, in-country maintenance and maintenance support.
- Depot overhaul and repair.
- Program and supply chain management.
- Saudi pilot and maintenance team training.
In March 2018, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and following the announcement of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to localize 50 percent of the total military spending by 2030, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Agreement to develop a new joint venture. The venture will localize more than 55 percent of the manufacturing, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for fixed- and rotary-wing military aircraft in Saudi Arabia and will be the sole provider of these services for all military aviation platforms of the KSA military fleet, strengthening the Kingdom's defense capabilities and enhancing its deterrent potential.
The signing ceremony came in conjunction with HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s historic visit to Seattle, Washington, which included an official visit and tour of Boeing’s aircraft manufacturing facilities.
In 2019, Boeing and the National Industrial Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further the development of the aerospace industry of Saudi Arabia. Also, in the same year, Alsalam Aerospace Industries completed the first in-country conversion of an F-15S aircraft to F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) variant.
In 2022, Boeing and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) signed a preliminary agreement to form a Saudi Arabia-focused joint venture to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul and sustainment services for the military rotorcraft platforms operated in the Kingdom.
Boeing Capital Corporation
Capital Corporation creates financing solutions for customers purchasing Boeing commercial and defense products. As the company’s investment bank, it works closely with third-party financing sources that provide nearly all of the financing support required by Boeing customers. Capital Corporation continually strengthens its presence in the Middle East to meet the high demand for commercial aviation financing. It regularly organizes events in the region designed to engage the finance community. Since 2006, it has hosted annual airline planning seminars for financiers in the Middle East, and its investor conference has become an annual event.