21 Jul 2004
Saudi Arabia’s industrial capability in the aviation sector will be showcased for the first time at a major international aerospace event, with the mounting of a special Saudi exhibit at this years Farnborough Air Show, to be held in the UK from 19th to 23rd July 2004. The six-company Saudi display will be located in the BAE Systems pavilion at the event.
The companies taking part are Alsalam Aircraft Company, Aircraft Accessories and Components Company, Advanced Engineering Company, Saudi Development and Training, International Systems Engineering and the Saudi operations of BAE Systems itself. The Saudi stand will demonstrate the achievements of organisations in the Kingdom in taking steps towards self-sufficiency in manufacturing, maintenance and repair of civil, military and training aircraft, says Damian Turner, Executive Director BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia.
“We think quite a few heads will be turned,” he commented. “The progress made by Saudi Arabia in the industrial sector has gone largely unheralded in the international marketplace. In addition to the ability to carry out repair and maintenance of operational and training aircraft, organisations in the Kingdom are also taking steps towards original component design and manufacture and aircraft assembly.
“Clearly, there is still a long way to go before the country achieves all its aims, but the fact that most of the basic infrastructure for developing self-sufficiency is in place may surprise some commentators. On a par with this accomplishment, is that these achievements are being made by Saudi nationals: across the board, the companies boast average Saudisation rates approaching 60%.”
Self-sufficiency in military and civil aircraft maintenance is a target that has been set by the Saudi Ministry of Defence and Aviation. Each company exhibiting at the Farnborough Air Show makes a separate contribution to this long-term aim.
Alsalam Aircraft Company handles airframe overhaul and deep strip maintenance; Advanced Electronics Company focuses on electronic and avionic component repair; Aircraft Accessories and Components Company is responsible for mechanical engineering; International Systems Engineering is the IT and computerisation specialist; Saudi Development and Training focuses on manpower issues and the development of skill sets for Saudi workforces. BAE Systems has mounted a programme to transfer engineering, maintenance and logistics operations to the Kingdom, delivering an important boost to the development of an indigenous industrial capability.
The Alsalam Aircraft Company delegation to Farnborough is being led by Mohamed Falata; Abdullah Al Mehemeid head up the Saudi Development and Training group; Abduljabbar Al Abduljabbar leads the team from International Systems Engineering; Nasser Al Mansour heads the Aircraft Accessories and Components Company delegation; Dr Faisal Al Sugair leads the group from Advanced Electronics Company, and Damian Turner head up the team from BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi exhibition is open to visitors each day of the Farnborough Air Show in the BAE Systems pavilion.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
