RIYADH: Airbus has officially opened its new Regional Headquarters in Riyadh, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.
This expansion marks a key milestone in Airbus’ efforts to enhance its commercial, defense, space, and helicopter operations in the Kingdom and the region.
The new HQ highlights Airbus’ growing involvement in Saudi Arabia’s aviation and aerospace sectors, where the company has been active since the 1970s. Airbus currently employs over 350 people in Saudi Arabia, with 30 percent of its workforce being Saudi nationals. The company aims to further boost local talent development and technological expertise.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s regional headquarters program, which offers incentives such as a 30-year corporate income tax exemption, withholding tax immunity, and various support services for businesses.
Eid Al-Qahtani has been appointed as the president of Airbus’ Riyadh-based regional headquarters. With more than 20 years of leadership experience — including his previous role as head of operations for Airbus Helicopters in Riyadh — Al-Qahtani will focus on strengthening partnerships with governments and stakeholders, as well as driving new business in the region.
Wouter Van Wersch, president of Airbus International, praised the appointment: “We are privileged to have Eid Al-Qahtani leading our operations in Saudi Arabia. His deep understanding of the country's goals and his proven leadership in the region make him the ideal person for this role.”
“In terms of products, as the (Saudi Investment) Minister Khalid Al-Falih mentioned, Saudi airlines are using a good number of Airbus aircraft — 200 today and another 300 in the coming years,” he said Van Wersch told Arab News en français in an interview.
“We have a very strong helicopter presence, with local centers and around 120 helicopters currently in operation. Our partnership with THC will enable us to strengthen this presence,” he added.
Another area of cooperation is defense, with Airbus providing military, transport and combat aircraft. On the space front, the French giant has supplied seven satellites to Arabsat.
“In terms of transport, the Kingdom is very well placed geographically and therefore has considerable potential to become a hub,” said Van Wersch.
“The Kingdom's ambitions to triple the number of passengers transiting through or to the Kingdom, together with the remarkable growth in tourism, will create favorable opportunities,” he added.
The president of Airbus International highlighted the need to build the capacity of people within the country, which he sees as one of Airbus’ major missions.
“We will need more pilots, engineers, technicians and flight crews. For the Middle East zone, the need for pilots is estimated at 59,000 over the next 20 years”, he explained.
Discussions are underway between Airbus and universities to assess ways of increasing its local presence in terms of factories and new product development in the Kingdom.
“We have large teams in Saudi Arabia, and the aim is to help, to play a role in building the capacity of the personnel who will be essential for airlines in the years to come. It is always a partnership with local players, with the ecosystem”, the Airbus chief said.
Earlier this year, Airbus signed an Industrial Participation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
This collaboration includes technology transfers and initiatives for industrial localization, such as SAMI Airbus Aircraft Maintenance Services — a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries and Airbus.
Al-Qahtani expressed his enthusiasm: “I am honored to lead Airbus from our new headquarters in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is a strategically important market for us, and we are committed to supporting the Kingdom’s long-term goals while nurturing the next generation of aerospace leaders.”
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract international businesses are paying off. The Kingdom has already surpassed its 2030 target of 500 regional headquarters, with 540 international companies now established in Riyadh, according to Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih.
“Investors are coming not only for our vibrant market but also to explore the broader region,” he said.
