Riyadh, November 21 - In a bold move to bolster its global reach, Saudia Group has selected GE Aerospace's advanced GEnx-1B engines to power its expanded Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, marking a pivotal step in the airline's ambitious growth strategy. Announced on November 19, 2025, this multi-year agreement equips Saudia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's flagship carrier, with high-performance engines for its 2023 order of 39 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. The deal not only includes the engine supply but also encompasses spare units and a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) program, ensuring seamless operations for the carrier's long-haul ambitions. As one of the Middle East's largest aviation conglomerates, Saudia Group's decision underscores its commitment to enhancing fleet efficiency and connectivity across international routes, positioning Riyadh as a premier hub for travelers worldwide.
The GEnx-1B engines, renowned for their cutting-edge composite fan blades and twin-annular pre-swirl combustor technology, promise unparalleled fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning perfectly with the Boeing 787's reputation as a game-changer in widebody aviation. Since entering service in 2011, the GEnx family has logged over 70 million flight hours, powering approximately two-thirds of the 787 aircraft in operation today. For Saudia, this selection means optimized performance on extended flights to Europe, Asia, and North America, where the 787-9 and 787-10 variants will deliver up to 20% better fuel economy compared to older generations. Moreover, the engines' durability minimizes downtime, supporting the airline's goal of increasing passenger capacity and launching new destinations amid rising demand in the post-pandemic travel boom.
This partnership extends beyond mere hardware, weaving in capacity-building initiatives that empower Saudia Technic, the group's in-house MRO division. Through targeted training and knowledge transfer programs, GE Aerospace is fostering local expertise in engine maintenance, directly contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda for economic diversification and technological self-reliance. GE's four-decade collaboration with the Kingdom already powers the nation's top four commercial carriers, and this agreement reinforces that legacy while amplifying Saudia Group's role in regional aviation innovation. Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar hailed the collaboration as a "transformative" force for long-haul capabilities, emphasizing how it accelerates the localization of high-tech aviation skills and strengthens the Kingdom's aerospace ecosystem.
As Saudia Group's 787 fleet expansion unfolds, with options for an additional 10 aircraft, this GEnx-powered infusion signals a new era of sustainable, high-capacity air travel from the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. By prioritizing reliability and forward-thinking partnerships, the airline is not just growing its network but redefining efficiency in global aviation, inviting more passengers to experience the Dreamliner's comfort on routes that bridge continents with unmatched speed and style.