Saudia Group aims to increase flights between Saudi Arabia and India while also providing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services to Indian carriers, a company executive announced Thursday.
Saudia Airlines, part of the Saudia Group, currently operates 54 weekly flights connecting seven Indian destinations, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
The group has established an MRO facility in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to be fully operational next year. This facility is designed to serve aircraft from Indian carriers, offering a new option for maintenance services.
Last year, approximately 1.5 million tourists from India visited Saudi Arabia. Saudia Group Director General Ibrahim Alomari projected this number to rise to 7.5 million by 2030.
Speaking at the CAPA India Aviation Summit 2024, Alomari emphasized the group's commitment to increasing flight frequencies between the two countries and encouraged Indian airlines to reciprocate. "We need to work together," he said.
In related news, Riyadh Air, a new airline with its hub in Riyadh, is set to launch next year. The Saudia Group has been in discussions with Air India regarding the new MRO village, which will have the capacity to accommodate 48 aircraft at once.
This facility will service A320 and B787 planes, as well as LEAP engines. It will also include assembly lines for Brazil’s Embraer planes and Italy’s Leonardo helicopters, according to Abdullah M. Alshahrani, Saudia Group's GM of Corporate Communication and Media Affairs.
Currently, Indian carriers rely on European MRO facilities, but the Saudia Group is positioning its new facility as a competitive alternative. The group plans to hold discussions with Indian airlines about utilizing these services, Alshahrani added.
Saudia Airlines is also in the process of upgrading its fleet and services. Alshahrani noted that there are opportunities for collaboration with India in the field of technology.
