Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, met with Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO, in France to discuss joint investment opportunities in helicopter manufacturing and maintenance, as part of his official visit to the country.

As per the Ministry’s statement, talks centered on enhancing cooperation in the aviation sector, particularly in maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), drone production, and precision automation, key areas identified by Saudi Arabia as strategic under its Vision 2030 goals.

Alkhorayef outlined the Kingdom’s competitive advantages for industrial investment, including its location connecting three continents, access to natural resources, advanced infrastructure, and over SR10 billion in identified opportunities across the aviation value chain.

The meeting reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a globally competitive aviation industry through public-private partnerships, industrial incentives, and a focus on localizing high-tech manufacturing. Alkhorayef highlighted the recently announced “Aero Park,” the Kingdom’s first dedicated aerospace industrial complex, spanning 1.2 million square meters near King Abdulaziz International Airport, with strategic connectivity to ports and railways.

Airbus welcomed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing sustainable and flexible local supply chains. Both sides agreed to continue joint work on identifying key projects, defining investment structures, and setting clear execution timelines.