Saudi Arabia May Become Major Player in Aviation in MENA

Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a big player in the Middle East's aviation industry, a Boeing executive said.

Randy Heisey, Boeing's managing director of commercial marketing for the Middle East, Africa, Russia and Central Asia regions, announced that Saudi Arabia harbours much hope for development of its aviation sector.

If they're able to execute on the Vision 2030, they may be a major player in the growth here,

he told The National.

Asked whether Boeing is in discussions for aircraft orders by a planned Saudi Arabian carrier, he referred the question to the airline for details on its business plan.

The kingdom's Saudi Aviation Strategy calls for tripling annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030, boosting the number of destinations to 250 from 99 at present and establishing a new flag carrier. This strategy is backed by $100 billion in investments from the government and private sector.

Saudi Arabia's push to develop its air transport sector is part of the Vision 2030 plan aimed at diversifying its economy away from oil.