Boeing signs deals with Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi: Boeing and Saudi Arabia have signed several defence and commercial agreements coinciding with the visit of the US President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia including commercial aircraft order for sixteen wide bodied Boeing aircraft, it was announced on Sunday.

There are also agreements to purchase of Chinook helicopters and associated support services as well as guided weapon systems and Saudi Arabia’s intent to order P-8 maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which are based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.

Boeing and Saudi Arabia have also announced a joint venture to provide sustainment services for a wide range of military platforms that supports the kingdom’s efforts to grow its indigenous aerospace industry and ecosystem through its Vision 2030 initiative.

A commercial registration certificate for the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company, a newly formed joint venture between Boeing, Alsalam Aerospace Industries and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries with bases in both Riyadh and Jeddah that will provide support for both military and commercial helicopters was also announced on Sunday.

The total value of the deals is not known.

“These announcements reaffirm our commitment to the economic growth, prosperity and national security of both Saudi Arabia and the United States, helping to create or sustain thousands of jobs in our two countries,” said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg, in a statement.

“Our decades-long partnership with the Kingdom began in 1945 when President Roosevelt presented a DC-3 to King Abdul Aziz Al Saud, launching commercial air travel in the region. We welcome the opportunity to continue that support.”