Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing partnerships with US aviation companies to further accelerate the rapid expansion of its air transport sector. KSA aims to bolster connectivity, attract significant investment, and modernize its aviation infrastructure as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan.

Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi recently met with senior executives from US air mobility firms and members of the Young Presidents’ Organization to discuss potential collaborations.  “Today I met with leaders from the US air mobility industry and members of the YPO global leadership community, where we discussed economic reforms in KSA and opportunities for collaboration and partnership,” Al-Qasabi stated on his X account.

This push for US partnerships aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of increasing trade and investment with the US to approximately $600 billion over the next four years, a target previously outlined by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.  

Trade between the two nations reached $34 billion in 2023, with Saudi Arabia exporting mineral products and fertilizers to the US, and importing machinery and mechanical appliances.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past year, fueled by a surge in passenger numbers, fleet expansion, and key global partnerships. The industry, valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.88 percent from 2025 to 2029.

This expansion is a core component of Vision 2030, the KSA’s initiative to diversify its economy, strengthen the private sector, and enhance connectivity.  The ambitious goal is to handle 330 million passengers across more than 250 destinations and transport 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo annually by 2030.

To support this growth, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure.  Major upgrades have been completed at existing airports, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.  

Construction is also underway on the massive King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, which is poised to become one of the world’s largest travel hubs.

The KSA’s aviation landscape includes the newly launched Riyadh Air, which aims to operate a fleet of over 200 aircraft; Saudia, the country’s largest airline; and growing budget carriers like flynas and flyadeal.