The Saudi Aerospace Connect Forum, held on February 24-25, 2025 gathered key figures from the aerospace sector to discuss the future of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry. The event focused on a wide range of topics, including localization opportunities, investment strategies, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and emerging trends in MRO and aircraft manufacturing.

The forum kicked off with an opening speech by Eng. Saleh AL-Solami, CEO of the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), who highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a leading force in the global aerospace sector.

Khalil Ibn Salamah, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industry Affairs, highlighted the importance of leveraging Saudi Arabia’s abundant natural resources, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and skilled human capital during the Forum.

Throughout the event, participants delved into the current state of the aerospace industry, the country’s ongoing localization initiatives, and the various investment incentives available to aerospace investors. Discussions also centered on key areas such as human capital development, innovations in aviation, financing opportunities, and the latest best practices in aircraft reliability and safety. At the forum, which will help shaping the future of the industry, important speakers gave speeches. Such as Wouter Van Wersch, President of Airbus, spoke about the importance of Saudi Arabia in the region and its strategic partnership. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Mahmut F. Akşit, CEO of TEI, delivered a speech at the Aerospace Connect Forum in Jeddah, highlighting TEI’s capabilities and the opportunities for collaboration within the aerospace sector. In addition, several other prominent figures shared their insights during the event. Experts also contributed to the discussions in the panels, focusing on key issues and opportunities within the sector.

At the event, several key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed, shaping the future of the industry. NIDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AIRBUS to foster the development and localization of helicopter manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the Kingdom's position in the global aerospace industry. Additionally, a partnership between NIDC, Life Shield, and Auto Gyro was established to transfer technology and localize the manufacturing of air taxis and helicopters.

In another significant move, NIDC and International Airport Solutions signed an MOU to bolster investor support and strengthen ties with technology partners.

As part of its ongoing efforts to advance local manufacturing capabilities, NIDC signed an MOU with AIC STEEL and AMIC. This agreement focuses on the localization of titanium sponge metal-melting process pipes and aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's capabilities in advanced materials manufacturing and industrial supply chains. To further expand the Kingdom’s aerospace sector, NIDC has also partnered with Jetbase and Jabeen, focusing on localizing aircraft maintenance and overhaul services at Jubail Airport. Additionally, an MOU with The Second Airport Cluster seeks to promote the localization of national industries in aerospace by providing dedicated spaces within airports for specialized aircraft maintenance centers.

Another MOU with Leonardo aims to localize the helicopter industry, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of strengthening its domestic aerospace capabilities.

As Saudi Arabia continues its drive to diversify its economy and invest in advanced technologies, these partnerships and MOUs play a key role in building a robust, self-sustaining aerospace industry, positioning the Kingdom as a major player in the global market.

As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a major global aviation hub, the forum offered an essential platform for industry leaders to share valuable insights, foster collaboration, and collectively shape the future of aerospace in the region.