Massive aerospace company Boeing said Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a major player in the Middle East’s aviation industry.
The Managing Director of commercial marketing for the middle east, Africa, Russia, and Central Asia regions for Boeing said Saudi could become a big player during air travel growth between now and 2030.
“There are a lot of aspirations right now in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Boeing executive Randy Heisey said.
Saudi Arabia would join other regional heavyweights like the UAE and Qatar on a journey to develop its air transport sector.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 contains multiple projects and subprojects that outline the country’s plans to boost tourism in the region. Saudi Arabia’s push to develop its air transport sector is part of the Vision 2030 plan aimed at diversifying its economy away from oil.
“If they’re able to execute on the Vision 2030, they may be a major player in the growth here,” Heisey said.
The Saudi Aviation Strategy calls for the annual passenger traffic to be tripled to 330 million by 2030, boosting the number of destinations to 250 from the current 99 destinations, as well as establishing a new flag carrier.
This country’s strategy is backed by $100 billion in investments from the government and private sector.
Saudi Arabia is also making an effort in its tourism industry with projects such as luxury mountain developments and sustainable tourism destinations. An assumed byproduct of tourism projects within Saudi Arabia would mean more transportation to the nation itself.
When the Boeing executive was asked whether his company was in discussions for aircraft orders by a planned Saudi Arabian carrier, he said Boeing is eager to win “all good business,” including that entity.
“I can tell you our objective is to demonstrate to all airlines, and new airlines as well, the value proposition and versatility of Boeing products,” Heisey said.
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