Saudia Group has signed a landmark multi-year agreement with GE Aerospace to equip its upcoming fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners with advanced GEnx-1B engines—a move expected to strengthen the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while creating new opportunities for Bangladesh’s fast-growing aviation sector.

Under the agreement, GE Aerospace will supply engines for Saudia’s 2023 order of 39 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft, along with a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) program and spare engines. The partnership also includes a series of capability-building initiatives through Saudia Technic, aimed at expanding and localizing aerospace expertise in Saudi Arabia. These efforts will focus on technical training, knowledge transfer, and the development of in-country engine maintenance capabilities.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration, saying the partnership will “accelerate the localization of high-technology aviation expertise in the Kingdom” and support the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030. The new engines, he added, will transform the Group’s long-haul operations and expand global connectivity.

The GEnx engine family—recognized for reliability and advanced composite materials—has logged more than 70 million flight hours and powers the majority of Boeing 787 aircraft worldwide.

GE Aerospace, which has worked with the Saudi aviation sector for more than four decades, continues to support the Kingdom in developing local talent and technical capacity. Its technologies currently power Saudi Arabia’s four largest commercial airlines and the largest F110 fighter engine fleet outside the United States.

Opportunities for Bangladesh

The deal carries notable implications for Bangladesh, particularly due to the critical importance of Bangladesh–Saudi Arabia air routes, among the busiest corridors for expatriate workers and religious travelers.

Saudia’s fleet expansion and upgraded MRO capabilities are expected to enhance operational reliability on these routes. The improved service levels will benefit millions of Bangladeshi passengers flying annually for work, business, Hajj, and Umrah.

Additionally, Saudia Technic’s training and localization programs may open new pathways for Bangladeshi aviation graduates, engineers, and technicians. With Bangladesh producing an increasing number of aviation professionals, the Kingdom’s growing demand for skilled manpower could translate into expanded career opportunities.

As Saudia Group advances its long-term strategy—focused on fleet growth, new international destinations, and reinforced engineering capacity—Bangladesh stands to gain from strengthened connectivity and closer aerospace collaboration between the two nations.