Saudi-French Roundtable Explores Investment Partnership and Strategies to Strengthen Civil Aviation Sector
On June 16, 2025, a high-level delegation from the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority, led by Chairman Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, convened a roundtable meeting in Paris. This significant event took place against the backdrop of the 55th Paris Air Show, which runs from June 16 to 22, 2025. Senior executives and key representatives from major French companies specializing in civil aviation participated, along with over 65 governmental and private sector entities from both nations.
The primary objective of this roundtable was to enhance bilateral cooperation, explore investment opportunities, and expand privatization initiatives while facilitating technological transfer. The discussions also aimed to spotlight national projects and initiatives that are of paramount importance to the aviation sector and to exchange insights on the future of the aviation industry. Regarding shared challenges, the meeting emphasized the need for strategic partnerships that contribute to the development of essential infrastructure, foster innovation, and pursue sustainable practices in civil aviation. This collaborative effort is aimed at solidifying Saudi Arabia’s status as a global logistics hub and a key player in air transport.
During the meeting, numerous investment opportunities in civil aviation were outlined, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating an attractive investment climate for both domestic and international investors. The forum presented national initiatives, market privatization prospects, airport infrastructure development, air navigation services, and cutting-edge aviation technologies. This reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to sustainable sector development and its overarching strategies that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
A key focus of the discussions was the broader objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in terms of diversifying the economy and empowering the private sector. The meeting explored Saudi Arabia’s strategic advantages, including its geographic location, which connects three continents, making it an appealing destination for industrial investment. The roundtable further emphasized the importance of the National Aviation Strategy, which prioritizes the aviation sector as essential to economic development and identifies investment opportunities worth over 10 billion Saudi Riyals in key aviation fields. This aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a premier global aviation industry hub.
As part of the roundtable agenda, the Saudi Ground Services Company (SGS) signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at bolstering investment cooperation between Saudi and French firms. Notable agreements included an MoU for the renewal, assembly, and local manufacturing of ground handling equipment with the French company Alvest Group. Additionally, another MoU was signed to localize smart and environmentally-friendly technologies related to ground handling equipment, along with all maintenance and technical support services, in partnership with Alvest Group and the Arab Alvest Equipment Maintenance Company (AAES). Moreover, there was also an agreement to offer training programs and accredited diplomas for technical services and the maintenance of ground equipment between AAES and Alvest Group.
In summary, this roundtable signifies a critical step toward strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and France in the aviation sector and underscores the Kingdom’s ambitious plans to enhance its civil aviation industry. Through strategic partnerships, innovative technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability, Saudi Arabia is determined to elevate its position in the global aviation landscape and contribute to broader economic objectives as outlined in Vision 2030. The collaborative dialogues initiated during this meeting pave the way for potential investment opportunities that will ultimately enhance the development of the aviation sector and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
