A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector, led by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), convened the Saudi–French Investment Roundtable in Paris last week.

The roundtable was held with leading French companies specializing in civil aviation and included the participation of executive leaders, the Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, officials, aviation experts, and representatives from over 65 public and private entities from both countries. The event took place on the sidelines of the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show “Le Bourget,” held from June 16 to 22, 2025.

The meeting aimed to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, identify investment opportunities, expand privatization initiatives, and enhance technology transfer. It also highlighted key national initiatives and priority projects within the civil aviation sector, while offering a platform to exchange insights on the future of aviation, address shared challenges, and develop strategic partnerships that support infrastructure development, drive innovation, and promote sustainability - contributing to Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a global logistics hub and a central player in international air transport.

The roundtable discussions focused on the promising investment landscape in the Saudi aviation sector and the Kingdom’s efforts to create an attractive environment for both local and international investors. Participants explored opportunities in airport infrastructure, air navigation services, and next-generation aviation technologies. The gathering reflected Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable aviation development and its positive contribution to the global aviation industry, in line with the strategic goals of Vision 2030.

The meeting also emphasized the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, empower the private sector, and build global industrial partnerships. Attendees reviewed Saudi Arabia’s unique strategic advantages and competitive strengths, most notably its geographic location connecting three continents. The national aviation strategy’s focus on developing the aviation industry as a priority sector was also discussed, with the Kingdom identifying over SAR 10 billion in investment opportunities across key aviation manufacturing domains - reinforcing its aspiration to become a global center for aviation production.

As part of the roundtable’s agenda, Saudi Ground Services (SGS) signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen investment collaboration between Saudi and French companies. These included an MoU with ALVEST Group to locally refurbish, assemble, and manufacture ground support equipment; a second MoU with ALVEST Group and Arabian Alvest Equipment Services (AAES) to localize smart, eco-friendly GSE technologies and support services; and a third MoU between AAES and ALVEST Group to offer accredited training and diploma programs in ground support equipment maintenance and technical services.

In another development, GACA and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on environmental sustainability during the 2025 Paris Air Show.

As a strategic step toward balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, the MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in sustainability by leveraging innovative technologies to reduce the aviation sector’s environmental impact, in alignment with the objectives of the Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program (CAESP).

The agreement outlines key areas of collaboration, including the exchange of expertise in the use of low-carbon and sustainable aviation fuels, as well as initiatives to develop specialized human capacity in the field.

GACA Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability Captain Sulaiman Almuhaimedi underscored that the MoU signing with Airbus marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient aviation sector.

“This Memorandum is designed to address sustainability challenges, promote knowledge transfer, and empower the next generation of Saudi talent to lead the sector’s environmental transformation in the years ahead,” he stated.

Airbus President in Africa and the Middle East Gabriel Semelas emphasized that the partnership represents a significant step toward building a more sustainable future for the aviation sector, aiming to accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions both regionally and globally.