The Vallair Group and the National Industrial Development Center, established by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), have announced the signing of an MoU that signifies cooperation in developing the aerospace industry in the Kingdom and throughout the Middle East.

Both parties have confirmed the establishment of joint working teams to develop narrowbody MRO, aircraft disassembly, component repair shops, aircraft painting, and full training for all capabilities.

The announcement was made during the Dubai Airshow and comes as KSA embarks on a transformational journey towards less dependence on oil and moves towards developing its industrial base as part of Vision 2030, with the aerospace sector being one of great importance and high priority.

Chief executive of the centre, Khalil Ibnsalamah, said: “Today the aerospace cluster within KSA is enjoying accelerated growth and we are delighted to welcome Vallair to join our fast-expanding group of global investors that are fostering international partnerships.”

Vallair Group has stated that as a company it would be proud to share its rich and diverse aviation heritage and expertise, particularly in relation to the design and construction of world-class MRO hangars and the integrated workflows that can be generated.

Grégoire Lebigot, chief executive of Vallair Group, said: “The centre is an industrial thought leader spearheading innovative industrial concepts in KSA and successfully pioneering business development and industrial sector activation end-to-end.

“It is striving to co-create solutions with key stakeholders, like Vallair, through its collaborative approach.”

Vallair’s streamlined proposition offers a range of multi-specialist services that seamlessly connect to each other.

From airframe and engine acquisition, through to MRO activities, component management, technical services, and parts sales.

Last year Vallair opened one of Europe’s largest state-of-the-art hangars which combines both widebody and narrowbody MRO maintenance services.

On-site aerostructure repairs and disassembly of aircraft and engines underpin a range of MRO programmes and create a blueprint for efficiency and sustainability.

Vallair has also invested in Aircraft Academy which is a Part 147 training centre for aircraft mechanics that is attracting global enrolment.

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