Brazil’s Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian state-owned defence concern SAMI on 29 November 2023 to establish aerospace co-operation with a particular focus on defence.
The agreement is geared towards expanding the operational footprint of both companies in Saudi Arabia while promoting the capabilities of Embraer’s C-390 Millennium transport aircraft and delivering support to the Saudi Ministry of Defense.
Under the MoU SAMI and Embraer will work to establish a comprehensive maintenance capability for the Embraer aircraft in the Kingdom. Additionally, both companies will explore the establishment of a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub and final assembly line for the Embraer C-390, as well as a mission system integration facility in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, SAMI and Embraer will engage in training activities, enabling the opening of new opportunities for both companies across the aerospace sector in the Kingdom and the wider Middle Eastern region.
Walid A Abukhaled, SAMI’s CEO, was quoted as saying in an Embraer press release, “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Embraer, bringing new support and production facilities into the Kingdom. This growth in our business scope and capabilities highlights SAMI’s dedication to advancing and supporting the development of the aerospace ecosystem in the Kingdom. It is another important step in SAMI’s efforts in supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in the defence sector and contribution to the localisation of 50% of the defence spending In the Kingdom by 2030.”
He added, “While this expansion of our MRO capabilities is important, the key to this agreement is the establishment of joint training activities to support the development of Saudi talents and the transfer of valuable skills within the aerospace sector.”
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, was quoted as saying, “We are very pleased to sign this agreement with SAMI. This is the first step to advance co-operation in defence and security involving production chains between the two countries. With this memorandum of understanding Embraer advances further into a strategic market. We will work hard to add value to the local industry, to the Royal Saudi Air Force, and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
