Saudia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air France-KLM, aimed at significantly expanding and localising the airline’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
The MOU includes provisions for Saudia to handle module assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines, which are used on its 777 aircraft. Saudia will award a minimum of 50% of the GE90 work orders to Air France-KLM in return for localising the process.
Additionally, the agreement explores the establishment of a joint venture for GEnx engines, used on Saudia’s 787 aircraft, adding to Saudia’s local MRO capabilities which include servicing CFM LEAP-1A engines used on Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
On the commercial side, the collaboration focuses on enhancing the codeshare agreement between Saudia and Air France-KLM. This includes expanded reciprocal codesharing across a wider range of domestic and international routes, increasing connectivity and frequency. The agreement also supports Saudia’s efforts to optimise its operations at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
“Saudia is a historic partner of Air France-KLM, and in the context of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced development, we see a mutual interest in expanding our commercial cooperation and pooling our expertise, notably in the strategic MRO activity,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM.