RIYADH: Aerospace giant Boeing is enhancing its quality management system to meet regulatory standards, ensuring passenger safety, a top official told Arab News.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Omar Arakat, vice president of commercial sales and marketing of Boeing in the Middle East and Africa, said that the company is putting “a lot of emphasis” to meet the safety standards proposed by regulators. 

The US plane maker is revamping its management in response to increasing pressure from airlines, regulators, and investors as it faces a deepening crisis following a mid-air panel blowout on a 737 MAX plane in January. 

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX experienced a mid-cabin exit door panel blowout shortly after takeoff, triggering multiple investigations, including one by the Federal Aviation Administration in the US. 

When asked about safety developments, Arakat said: “I’m assuming you are referring to the quality issues that have made headlines, and I assure you that Boeing’s number one priority is safety and quality. We are doing a lot of plans to strengthen our quality management system.”  

He added: “We’re also sharing with our customers all the steps that were taken to make sure that they feel the comfort that Boeing is doing the right thing.”  

Detailing Boeing’s initiatives to enhance safety standards, Arakat added that the company is directly engaging with its suppliers and increasing involvement by inspecting various stages in the aircraft production cycle. 

He expressed his enthusiasm about the progress in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector during the discussion. 

“We are very optimistic, and we are very excited about what is going on in Saudi Arabia in general, and specifically within the aviation sector. There is a lot of commitment by the leadership of Saudi Arabia to support aviation, and they recognize it as one of the most important pillars of developing infrastructure and moving forward,” said Arakat.  

He added: “If you look at the mandates of Vision 2030, it really indicates that aviation has a very bright future because it sets some very real targets that the Kingdom is very serious about achieving. We are very proud to be part of that.”  

The executive further noted that Boeing’s relationship with Saudi Arabia spans over seven decades, during which the company has delivered over 240 aircraft to airlines operating in the Kingdom. 

Last year, Riyadh Air, owned by the Public Investment Fund, announced ordering up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes in a significant deal. This included 39 confirmed aircraft and an option for an additional 33 wide-body 787-9 Dreamliners, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to establish itself as a prominent player in global aviation. 

National carriers collectively announced plans to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners, marking one of Boeing’s largest commercial orders by value.

RIYADH: Saudia Group has signed an order for an additional 105 A320neo family aircraft, marking the largest aircraft deal with Airbus in the Kingdom’s history.

Announced at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, the order comprises 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft, and increases Airbus aircraft order backlog from the Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier to 144 A320neo family aircraft.

Saudia Group is set to receive the first aircraft in the first quarter of 2026. These aircraft will be distributed between Saudia and flyadeal, the group's low-cost carrier.

The agreement was announced in the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser AI-Jasser, Director General of Saudia Group Ibrahim Al-Omar, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of Airbus.

Al-Omar said: “Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion.

“The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy.”

De Saint-Exupéry said the new aircraft will play a “vital role” in contributing to Saudi Arabia’ ambitious Vision 2030 plan.

He added: “It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions.”