Marignane: Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visited the headquarters of Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, France. During his visit, he reviewed the company’s advanced aircraft manufacturing technologies at its facilities and factories. He also held a bilateral meeting with Chief Executive Officer Bruno Even, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the aviation industry, focusing on joint opportunities in helicopter manufacturing and maintenance. This visit was part of his official trip to the French Republic.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the meeting emphasized the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the goal of achieving economic diversification. This vision stresses the importance of empowering the private sector and building global industrial partnerships. The discussions reviewed the Kingdom’s strategic assets and competitive advantages, which enhance its appeal for industrial investment. These include its geographic location linking three continents, abundant natural resources, competitive energy prices, advanced infrastructure and industrial cities, and streamlined government procedures.
Attendees reaffirmed the National Industrial Strategy’s focus on the aviation industry as a priority sector. Saudi Arabia has identified investment opportunities exceeding SAR10 billion in key aviation fields. These fields include maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services; unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing; and precision automation. This is part of the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
During the meeting, Airbus Helicopters’ CEO Bruno Even provided an overview of the company’s cutting-edge technologies, various advanced helicopter models, innovations in unmanned aerial vehicles, and global expansion plans in manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance.
The discussions also explored joint investment opportunities in helicopter manufacturing and maintenance, as well as the Kingdom’s incentives designed to attract high-quality investments in the aviation sector.
