Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) launched a 1.2 million square meters aviation industry cluster at Modon Oasis in Jeddah, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), to localize advanced technologies and empower supply chains in the Saudi aviation sector.

The launching ceremony was held during the Aerospace Connect Forum in the attendance of Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Chairman of GACA, Khalil Salamah, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and Majed Al-Argoubi, CEO of Modon, a recent statement unveiled.

The new cluster aims to create an attractive investment environment to localize the aviation industry near King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port by establishing ready-to-use factories of various sizes, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies in the aviation industry.

The launch of the new cluster aligns with the objectives of the National Industry Strategy (NIS), the Saudi Aviation Strategy, and the National Tourism Strategy aiming at reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for aviation transport and air cargo.

On the other side, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and GACA granted first-ever industrial licenses for aircraft maintenance and overhaul to Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC) and Saudia Technic, a subsidiary of Saudia Group, during the forum.

An official statement revealed that the licenses encompass a wide range of aviation services, including aircraft repair and overhaul, component refurbishment, avionics system maintenance, as well as calibration and repair of electronic systems, and servicing of both military and commercial aircraft.

The Aerospace Connect Forum takes place on 24 and 25 February, gathering leading experts, policymakers, and investors to explore the latest advancements and investment opportunities in the aviation sector.

Organized by the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, GACA, and Saudia Group, the forum serves as a key platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate and shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem.