Saudi Arabia is actively seeking joint manufacturing opportunities with Airbus Helicopters as part of its initiative to localize advanced aviation technologies and enhance its domestic industry. This exploration was highlighted during the “Industrial Day” event at Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters in Marignane, France, which included the Kingdom’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, along with company executives, Saudi aviation suppliers, and Airbus’s global partners.

This visit is a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for the aerospace industry under its Vision 2030 plan. Alkhorayef shared on X that the event underscored the need for localizing technology, strengthening international partnerships, and utilizing the Kingdom’s resources to become a central hub for the aviation sector.

During the event, the Saudi delegation engaged with Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even, examined the company’s advanced aircraft production technologies, and identified potential areas for investment and joint manufacturing in helicopters and related fields. Alkhorayef remarked on the critical role of the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia’s industrial development, noting it as one of the most promising sectors for localizing capabilities and advancing high-value technologies.

He further emphasized that Saudi Arabia aims to develop a competitive manufacturing base, showcasing the nation’s commitment to enhancing the aviation sector through industrial collaborations and foreign investments. The minister pointed out that Saudi Arabia possesses strong fundamentals for industrial growth, including mineral wealth, energy resources, skilled labor, and an investment-friendly environment.

Alkhorayef outlined that the Kingdom’s aerospace strategy encompasses the localization of helicopter production, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the establishment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The market for these capabilities is projected to surpass $10 billion. By 2035, the aerospace sector is anticipated to contribute $88 billion to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product and support over 377 000 jobs, according to a ministry statement.

Airbus Helicopters executives utilized the meeting to present the company’s manufacturing capabilities and showed interest in enhancing collaboration in assembly, aviation maintenance, and rotorcraft technology innovation. Discussions also included technology transfer and industrial training opportunities to back Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a regional aerospace center.

The Saudi delegation, which included senior officials such as National Industrial Development Center CEO Saleh Al-Sulomi, participated in a broader official visit to France aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring strategic cooperation in mining, aviation, and industrial growth. Meetings were also held with French government officials and business leaders to discuss expanding investment and industrial partnerships.

Alkhorayef reiterated the Kingdom’s long-term objective of diversifying its economy by boosting high-tech industries and integrating into global manufacturing value chains. He highlighted the nation’s competitive advantages, such as its strategic location, mineral reserves, energy capacity, and logistics infrastructure, which make it an attractive destination for industrial investments.