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Furthering Saudi Arabiaâ€™s aviation ambitions

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Accentuating Aerospace Advancement Renowned as one of the worldâ€™s leading MRO providers, Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries is playing a key role in furthering the Kingdomâ€™s airborne ambitions Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

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defining year in history during a period synonymous with both division and unity, 1945 is best known in global timelines as the end of the Second World War. Alongside the global destruction, it was a year that marked concerted efforts to strengthen global ties and relations in the aim of preventing any future breakdowns of such scale ever again. These efforts applied to all nations, with one such example prevalent in the warming relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United States. King Abul Aziz ibn Saud, renowned as the founder of the modern Saudi State, presented then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt with brightly coloured camel’s hair robes, hand painted perfume bottles, a gold dagger set with diamonds, and other gifts to extend the Kingdom’s hand of friendship. In return, Roosevelt provided the Middle Eastern country with a DC-3 passenger plane – an aircraft that marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s ventures into air travel. Impressed by the DC-3, the king quickly purchased numerous additional aircraft that led to the formation of Saudi Arabia Airlines (Saudia) in September 1946, with the country’s first international flight taking off for Jerusalem in that same year. Since this time, Saudia has expanded exponentially to become not only the national carrier of KSA, but equally the largest airline in the Middle East, aiding the transportation needs of more than 32 million passengers every year. Crucial to the historic success of this expansion from 1959 onwards has been Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), formerly known as Technical Services Division prior to the privatisation of Saudia in 2009. A company that is wholly-owned by Saudia itself, SAEI stands as one of the world’s leading full-service

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Worldwide cabin, avionics, airframe distribution and solutions. Support for AIRBUS – BOEING standards: ABS, EN, NSA, NAS, ASNA, MS, BACB, BACC, BMS… Consumables & Hardware with EASA Form 1 / FAA 8130 / OEM CoC

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Headquarters - BSB Aviation LLP @ 2 Sims Close, Gemini - Unit #05-09, 387298 Singapore

Singapore +65 6635 8313 United Arab Emirates +971 6 555 4344 Europe +33 601 002 166 India - BSB Tronix +91 6238 241249 contact@bsbaviation.com | www.bsbaviation.com

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SERVICES: • Custom manufacturing with EASA / FAA / CAAC certification for all parts (PMAs and EPAs). • Retrofit management for inflight entertainment systems, seat refurbishment & equipment, cabin LED lighting systems and ELTs. • Rotables repair management. • Return from lease material support. • Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) solutions.

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Flying High with SAEI Emphasising creativity and collaboration, BSB Aviation is playing a crucial role in propelling SAEI’s ambitions

he global aerospace industry continues to reach even more astronomical heights year after year, driven by rising passenger demand, expanding expertise and evolving trends. A recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed that the number of yearly passengers could double to 8.2 billion by 2037, while the industry itself could support more than 100 million jobs globally within the next two decades. Deloitte echoes this, predicting that approximately 38,000 aircraft will be produced in this timeframe – a figure almost equal to the current number of aircraft in operation around the world today. In the face of these lofty estimates, industry manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, such as BSB Aviation, are constantly having to adapt to remain competitive. Key to this evolution for BSB has been emphasising quality over quantity, focusing on achieving maximised customer satisfaction rather than trying to grasp as much of the market as possible, as quickly as possible.

“As the number of aircrafts rise worldwide, and market growth organically increases market shares, we’ve been moving away from price wars,” explains Romain Rubi, Founder of BSB Aviation. “We feel they inspire market control potential for certain manufacturers, which consequently changes their supply and pricing strategy, harming airline operators and MROs. “In between multiple mindsets and schools of thought, we constantly seek to incorporate the best of both sides, normalise and find value, most importantly converting all of these things into customer benefits.”

Maximising collaboration Specialising as a cabin and avionics solutions provider, working with an extensive network of recognised OEMs and maintenance shops, BSB Aviation provides aftermarket support ranging from spares distribution to custom manufacturing or retrofit management for both narrow and widebody aircraft. Renowned as such, the company serves a number of major clients across Asia and the Middle East, including Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI). Relations between the two companies were first established in 2010 when Rubi himself was invited to present EWIS wiring safety practices to shop floor engineers and technicians in SAEI’s voluntary engineer knowledge programme.

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Thereafter this relationship then became expanded three years later when SAEI experienced a work stoppage related to its E-Jets business class seats, appointing BSB to tackle the problem, as Rubi explains. “Working with our own network of OEMs, we stepped up to the mark, reducing SAEI’s productive delays by eight months while simultaneously achieving a 50 percent cost saving,” he states. “Since then we have worked with the company on a range of projects. “From seat spares and cabin panels to standard hardware and emergency equipment, we supply most of what is visible in the cabin and galley of Saudia’s aircraft,” Rubi adds. “Ultimately, our mission is to find value in reducing SAEI’s overall costs while bolstering its purchasing performance.”

An adaptable outlook Emphasising the importance of two-way communication between both end users and manufacturers, BSB has become a crucial supplier to SAEI. “We consider BSB Aviation to be a key partner for the future in improving the image and quality of our aircraft cabins, with the firm’s flexibility being a core part of this,” states Ali Al Ashban, the organisation’s current Chief Executive Officer.

It is this flexibility that truly differentiates BSB, able to provide support to any customer based on its unique profile and individual requests. “The larger the company, the more limited the flexibility,” agrees Rubi. “Companies often have a tendency to grow the slice instead of the cake. Our approach is to offer tailored solutions to our customers and not operate from a fixed model. “There are no impossible tasks, just opportunities to be very creative.” This outlook from BSB has proved to be a successful one in practice, evident where the firm has opted to cooperate with fellow partners, grouping its purchases that in turn obtain volume discounts for SAEI. Equally, BSB takes an active role in forecasting and planning in line with SAEI’s own goals, taking into account the company’s own alignment with the Saudia Vision 2020 Transformation Strategy. “Maintaining high standards has its own high cost, and so developing partners that can support and achieve your goals at a minimum cost is essential,” adds Ashban. “This is something that we are pleased to say we have found in BSB.” Working in a closed loop system with consistent communicative input and output, BSB is able to actively change its product offering as SAEI’s own requirements evolve.

Going above and beyond Looking ahead, BSB Aviation and SAEI will continue to work together to maintain this level of expertise, maximising their relationship in new ways. In particular, BSB will continue to search for new smart cost management procedures in dealing with both SAEI and its other clients, an area that Rubi believes will be a crucial focus when it comes to business competitiveness moving forward. “In a rapidly developing industry, equally rapid process changes insure competitiveness,” he states. “Airlines must adapt to dynamic customers and propose dynamic offerings. “Our mission is to support Saudia by making sure we always allow flexibility in their purchasing and supply chain, without compromising quality and safety.” Balancing these tailored efforts for Saudia with similar obligations to its other customers, BSB Aviation will likely be faced with a challenging yet rewarding year ahead.

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SAEI’S FIVE SERVICE SEGMENTS 1. Line maintenance With qualified line maintenance workers operating out of 25 international and 26 national stations, SAEI is able to provide 24-seven support for troubleshooting unplanned repairs wherever an aircraft may be grounded. The firm’s line maintenance services include transit check, technical assistance, on-call services, AOG assistance, headset, wheel shocks and safety cones.

maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) players, fittingly headquartered at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, 19 kilometres north of Jeddah.

Staying one step ahead

Overseeing SAEI is Ali Al Ashban, the organisation’s current CEO and figurehead tasked with achieving the firm’s overriding goal of becoming the leading MRO service provider of high-quality aircraft, engines and components in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. “I would describe SAEI as a leading enterprise in aviation maintenance that places unwavering attention on its clients’ needs, and provides its employees with challenging and future orientated career opportunities,” states Ashban. “Ultimately, this focus defines our mission, shapes our commitment and strengthens our values.” Serving as the technical arm to Saudia, SAEI has been able to simultaneously enjoy stellar growth for many decades, owed to its dynamic

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2. Aircraft maintenance Calling on its vast experience, SAEI is able to partake in all aspects of aircraft maintenance whilst guaranteeing short turnaround times and low operating costs. These comprehensive services include base maintenance, cabin refurbishments, new system installation, modifications, alterations and major repairs.

3. Engine maintenance Operating out of its Jet Propulsion Center, SAEI’s capabilities extend into the repair and overhaul of jet engines, auxiliary power units, thrust reversers and various engine parts. Equipped with test cell capabilities, this facility can test engines of up to 150,000 pounds of thrust, while its firstclass machinery provides the firm with a competitive edge.

4. Component services SAEI’s component shops are capable of the overhaul, repair and testing of different components from aircraft avionics to electromechanical components. With more than 50 international stations alongside its Saudia Arabian outlets, SAEI is able to offer turnkey aircraft component solutions.

5. Supplementary services From designing, manufacturing and on-site support to calibrations, hangar space and technical training school, SAEI’s services extend far beyond these categories, with an extensive list of supplementary services on offer.

The Abudawood Trading Company (ATC) was founded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1978 and later in 1985 opened the Abudawood Industrial Company (AIC) in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. AIC is a state-of-the-art manufacturer, specializing in the development and manufacturing of hygiene and cleaning products used throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ATC is the distribution end of the company offering warehousing and logistical support throughout the Kingdom. In 1996 ATC partnered with McGean Worldwide, manufacturers of the Cee Bee and Honey Bee Cleaners for use on commercial and military aircraft and components. Together ATC and Cee Bee have supplied and supported Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) for the past 20 years in all areas of chemical management and on ground

technical support. Supporting the many products supplied through ATC, in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. In accordance to the path of Vision 2030 both ATC and Cee Bee are striving to complete the R & D and production factory based in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. This new facility will be a fully licensed and approved production facility in Saudi Arabia, manufacturing a full line of aviation approved maintenance chemicals as well as a full range of NDT consumables. Full scale production is scheduled for second quarter 2019. Both Cee Bee and ATC wish to express our sincere thanks for the many years of business with SAEI and we look forward to working together with SAEi in the future in supplying a locally manufactured approved product, the first factory of its kind in Saudi ArabiaCee Bee Arabia.

Contact Mr. Chris McDonnell | Mobile Number: +966 50 466 9130 | Email: Chris.mcdonnell@mcgean.com

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COMET.AERO

ased near Hamburg in Germany, COMET.aero is a leading supplier and distributor of aircraft parts and parts/services for ground support equipment. The company draws on a global network of suppliers and representatives and has a particularly strong presence with OEM parts manufacturers across Europe and the USA. A hallmark of COMET.aero is an unwavering commitment to deliver outstanding quality service: “We make no compromise to quality while offering you the best possible price on any part. We know the equipment, we know the parts, we know what we do. Our extensive database – built up over many years – enables us to quickly identify and locate the part you require.”

and successful approach, moving rapidly, efficiently and cost-effectively to provide any industry service. By monitoring the latest trends, remaining adept with the latest technologies and adapting accordingly, the company has been able to position itself as a one-stop shop for all MRO needs within the aerospace industry. “Because we strive to stay a step ahead of the evolving needs of our clients, we emphasise excellence in the firm’s core practice areas and industry capabilities while equally aiming to grow in priority markets throughout the MENA region,” Ashban reveals. “To this end, SAEI is solidly positioned for future growth. Each and every member of our firm is as proactive and innovative as the times demand and our clients require.”

Embodying excellence

Backed up by almost 60 years’ experience and a workforce of

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more than 4,500 highly-trained professionals, SAEI provides a broad array of MRO services throughout the civil and military segments, not only to Saudia internally, but organisations globally. “Operating out of our main base in Jeddah, we accommodate both narrow-body aircraft and wide body aircraft, such as the Airbus 320, Airbus 330, Boeing 787 and Boeing 777,” explains Ashban. Since its relocation to the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, the firm has come to categorise its offerings in five key MRO segments that include line maintenance, aircraft maintenance, component maintenance, engine maintenance and supplementary services. These full maintenance services are extensive across these categories, providing engine services, components, airframe MRO service and supply chain solutions.

Beyond provision of products, the Company also offers customers instant and reliable logistics and supply solutions, no matter where in the world a part needs delivering. This is vital for the airline industry, which relies on short lead times, smooth logistical management and traceability of ordered products to maintain efficient MRO operations. COMET.aero’s aircraft maintenance & parts portfolio of services and products covers airframe, avionics, cabin interior, consumables and expendables, hardware and standards and aircraft tools. The company’s ground support equipment arm caters to requirements covering spare parts, engines, filters, Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx cargo handling, passenger handling and personal protection. Regarding its value-added services, COMET.aero offers AOG support, certification management, hazmat handling, inventory management, supply-chain management, warehousing and product sourcing. Their team is ready to offer its customers the services fitted to their requirements and needs. T +49 461 978 7680 E service@comet.aero

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AIRCRAFT PARTS & GSE SPARE PARTS SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES

WE KNOW THE EQUIPMENT. WE KNOW THE PARTS. WE KNOW WHAT WE DO.

WE. KNOW. HOW.

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BRIDGESTONE

ridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company. With a passion for excellence and creative pioneering, Bridgestone Aircraft Tyre EMEA serves the commercial aviation industry with the highest quality aircraft tyres, providing our customers and their passengers with superior safety and reliability. Our outstanding tyres are sourced exclusively from our factories in Japan and state-of-the-art retreading facility located in Belgium, the largest aircraft retreading plant in the world.

www.bridgestone.com “SAEI has been the right technical arm of Saudia that provides its full maintenance support to the Saudia fleet, the firm’s affiliates and several other major local, regional and international airlines,” explains Ashban. “In today’s challenging world, we are committed to help our clients identify successful solutions, reduce risk and maximise opportunities. We value each and every one of our trusted partnerships in the highest esteem.”

construction of a new state-of-theart 900,000 square metre facility on the northeast side of the airport is nearing its completion, with the site set to further revolutionise SAEI’s MRO capabilities. Housing 11 aircraft hangars, eight aircraft maintenance shops, 27 aircraft component shops, three technical laboratories, modern warehouses and a design and manufacturing centre, amongst countless other facilities, it will be a staunch upgrade on SAEI’s existing headquarters, as Ashban explains. Pioneering progress “With the current site now 30 years It is this proactive approach that has old, the two hangars and 32,000 been fundamental to continual success square metres of combined aircraft of SAEI, a culture that is further evident maintenance shops and component in the company’s ongoing expansions shops are quickly becoming at the Aziz Abdul International Airport. satisfactory to demands in comparison With work having begun following to our ongoing growth,” he states. an agreement between Saudia, SAEI “With the new 904,000 square and a consortium of international metre site set to have four times as Overseas projects are particularly popular consultants represented by Dar many hangars, 77,000 square metres Al Handasa in March 2010, the of aircraft maintenance space and

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Around the world, over 2,000 aircraft equipped with Bridgestone Aircraft Tires land safely every hour.

88,823 square metres of component shop room, our capabilities will be substantially bolstered.” Despite being SAEI’s flagship project, the state-of-the-art site constitutes just one part of SAEI’s extensive investment strategy that spans the company’s sweeping product and service portfolio. Ashban continues: “SAEI is focusing on its ‘game changer’ as the new facility will facilitate a leading edge to its services, and is also focusing on process improvement, safety culture and selective partnerships in different areas such as engine shop components and manufacturing.”

A visionary outlook

Having become a pillar of aviation MRO since its inception in 1959, SAEI aims to maintain the same adaptable strategies and philosophies that have helped establish its esteemed global reputation as it moves into a milestone 60th anniversary year in 2019.

Ali Al Ashban , CEO, SAEI

Continuing to pursue its vision of becoming the leading MRO service provider of high-quality aircraft engines and components in the MENA region, SAEI will equally play a crucial role in helping achieve KSA’s 2030 vision of localising its aerospace and defence industries through continual innovation. “By combining the newest facilities with the latest technologies on the

market, we’re quickly working towards becoming a leading MRO provider for the region,” states Ashban. “We pride ourselves not only on delivering for our clients, but equally the role we’re able to play in furthering this national agenda.” He concludes: “By being customer orientated, contributing to the growth of the Kingdom’s aerospace industry and achieving a stable rate of growth for our shareholders, 2019 will likely continue to bear fruits for SAEI, our people and the nation.”

Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries Tel: +966 12 272-9491 sales.marketing@saei.aero www.saei.aero

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Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries P.O. Box 167 CC896 King Abdulaziz International Airport Building 202 Jeddah 21231 Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 12 272-9491 sales.marketing@saei.aero www.saei.aero