Agreement between Boeing and Saudi carriers underscores importance of Saudi-US partnership

There is nothing that more closely ties two nations together than trade, investments, and economic cooperation. And nothing bridges two cultures better than in-person travel to different countries across the world.

The new partnership we celebrated in Charleston recently, between Boeing and Saudi Arabia, accomplishes both.

On March 14, 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced two major agreements with Boeing. These agreements are for the Kingdom to purchase up to 121 Boeing Dreamliners for Saudia Airlines, already the third largest airline in the Middle East, and the recently formed Riyadh Air. The agreements are valued in the billions and constitute Boe- ing’s fifth largest commercial order in its history. It will support over 140,000 jobs throughout America, including in South Carolina where the economic impact will be over $640 million, supporting 11,000 jobs.

From Saudi Arabia’s founding in 1932 to today, American companies have played an integral role in the Kingdom’s growth and prosperity. This agreement reflects the strength and depth of Saudi-U.S. relations. A relationship that continues to grow and expand under various presidential administrations from both parties.

This strategic partnership will have a significant economic impact in South Carolina and across the United States and will contribute to achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince. It will advance Saudi Arabia’s goals relating to the transformation of our tourism, transportation and logistics sectors. Our aim is to become the world’s fifth largest logistics hub, a global transportation epicenter for tourists, families, academics, students and business leaders that will serve 330 million passengers and attract 100 million visitors to the kingdom by 2030. It is this ambition that helped lead to the agreements with Boeing and will lead to an even closer relationship between South Carolina and the Saudi people.

Riyadh Air, a new airline owned by the PIF with advanced fleet of aircrafts, specifically will be equipped with the latest modern technologies aiming to lead the aviation industry. This new airline is expected to contribute $20 billion growth in non-oil GDP in the Kingdom, further diversifying our economy, and will create over 200,000 jobs in Saudi Arabia both directly and indirectly. For Saudia, the agreement will significantly expand its fleet and its ability to reach international destinations.

These agreements are not just about a new Saudi airline or even the 121 new aircraft. It is about a Saudi Arabia that is looking forward, engaging with the world, and pursuing new opportunities ranging from tourism, new investments, and diversification of trade. We believe agreements like these will help ensure a prosperous, peaceful and secure Middle East while continuing the long history of U.S.-Saudi partnership that has improved the lives of both Americans and Saudis.

Fahad Nazer is the official spokesperson for the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the United States.