maintenance, repair and overhaul center for commercial and military aircraft. Alsalam, based in Riyadh, employs approximately 3,000 people. Ahmed Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, said the Saudi people have long had a fascination with aviation, and the Boeing name is held in high regard. More than 170 Boeing employees are based in Saudi Arabia, and Jazzar said that number will increase as the company continues to gear up to support its 2011 military contracts. Boeing has been very active in Saudi Arabia, including support for education, research and development, and health and human services, Jazzar 34 Frontiers October 2014 said. “This differentiates us from companies that swoop in, make sales and get out. This is a market where relationships matter. If you don’t have relationships, you’ve got nothing.” In 2013, Boeing and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced a joint venture to provide Saudi Arabia with comprehensive support for its fleet of rotorcraft, which includes opportunities for Saudi nationals to perform hands-on work. Given the rapid growth of Boeing’s defense business in Saudi Arabia, Boeing Defense, Space & Security in July announced a leadership reorganization there. Mike Kurth, Defense, Space & Security’s newly appointed senior vice president for Saudi Arabia, said while the 2011 sale of military products to Saudi Arabia was “huge” for Boeing, the confidence the Saudis expressed for Boeing products and support also gave the company a boost in international markets. “The platform sales are one thing,” Kurth said. “But the significant support and training required can deliver great value and provide us a strong presence in Saudi Arabia for years to come. We must be very focused on supporting this growth.” Kurth sees this relationship growing, with new partnerships being formed in Saudi Arabia. He also sees Boeing
Frontiers October 2014 Issue
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