JEDDAH: Boeing is working with Saudi airlines to implement advanced aircraft and engine technologies that align with global sustainability goals, according to a senior executive at the US-based aerospace company.
Speaking to Arab News, Randy Heisey, general manager of commercial marketing for Africa and the Middle East region at Boeing, said the future of flight would incorporate the latest digital design, test and production tools , airframe, propulsion and systems technology, keeping in mind Keep in mind global sustainability goals.
He added that different power and energy solutions will apply to various market segments and aircraft sizes.
“We continue to advance the safety and viability of other renewable energy sources and their use in aircraft, including electricity, hydrogen and other energy sources that may come to fruition,” said Heisey.
Highlighting some of the key partnerships and collaborations Boeing has established with Saudi airlines, he said the aircraft manufacturer has a strong and long-standing relationship with the Kingdom, built on a partnership dating back to 1945.
“Since then, Boeing has developed and expanded its relationships in the commercial aviation sector and other sectors of Saudi aviation. Our investments have helped strengthen and grow the local aerospace sector, creating jobs and fostering innovation for mutual benefit,” he said.
Heisey added that they today employ more than 2,000 people in the Kingdom through various entities and joint ventures of Boeing in Saudi Arabia.
Based in Riyadh, Boeing Saudi Arabia is primarily run by the Kingdom’s employees, including its executives. The company supports all programs nationwide, including Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Global Services.
“To support the development of Saudi-led aerospace and defense capabilities in the Kingdom, we stand ready to collaborate with the Kingdom as it diversifies and grows the economy here,” Heisey said.
As Saudi Arabia spreads its wings in the aviation sector, Boeing is working with established and emerging companies to boost the industry.
Heisey emphasized that his company supports the growth and operations of its airline partners, focusing on their needs and how they can best succeed in their efforts.
“As was demonstrated earlier this year with the purchase by Saudia and exciting new airline Riyadh Air to commit to up to 121 new 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which will not only deliver high efficiency and sustainable operations, but also an unprecedented passenger experience,” he said.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of major continents has contributed significantly to its status as a global aviation hub.
The Kingdom’s well-developed aviation infrastructure, geographic position and substantial economic policies have promoted air connectivity, making it a crucial transit point for travelers and an air cargo transportation hub.
The Saudi government has invested in increasing the capacity of airports in cities like Jeddah and Medina to accommodate the growing number of Umrah pilgrims, which includes building new terminals and runways.
“This has been instrumental in helping the Kingdom’s commercial aviation industry grow and prosper, and the Vision 2030 initiatives will form the foundation, which will be accelerated in the future,” Heisey said.
He added: “So we see great prospects given the geography and the focus on diversifying tourism in Saudi Arabia, which will only generate more and more benefits for airlines here. »
Discussing the company’s upcoming plans, the Boeing executive said: “We are actively participating in fleet renewal with our cutting-edge technology products, and these will enable Saudi airlines to compete effectively with others, not only in this region but globally. »
Additionally, the global aviation industry is under increasing scrutiny due to its contribution to carbon emissions.
Compliance with environmental objectives and regulations and the development of more sustainable aeronautical technologies have emerged as significant challenges.
Boeing is working closely with its partners to help Saudi airlines resolve these issues.
“Boeing has four key approaches that we are taking to address this great challenge for the civil aviation industry,” Heisey said while explaining that the first pillar of the strategy is fleet renewal.
Fleet renewal includes the introduction of new generations of aircraft offering efficiency and emissions reduced by 15 to 40 percent compared to the generations that preceded them.
He added that the second pillar is to improve operational efficiency, where fuel consumption and emissions reductions can generate a profit of around 10 percent.
“Of course, renewable energy is another major contributor. Sustainable aviation fuel is a major part of enabling the industry to move forward in this area, but it is not the only one,” recalled Heisey.
He added that the SAF could contribute to an 80 percent emissions reduction today and, in the future, could contribute to a 100 percent emissions reduction.
“The fourth element is the one we are actively pursuing: research and development of advanced technologies,” the executive said.
Boeing is leading the aviation field by partnering with the Saudi industry to pilot a new fleet, facilitate the operation of flying machines with SAF and provide its knowledge on other fuels to the industry, including those involved in refining and developing new sources. sustainable or alternative fuels.
She works closely with governments, regulatory bodies, airlines, airports and industry stakeholders to propel the Saudi aviation industry to new heights.
It also paves the way for innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices to promote the long-term viability of the aviation sector.
