Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: His Excellency Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, inaugurated the new Jet Propulsion Center (JPC) in Saudia Technic’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Village. This state-of-the-art center is dedicated to the maintenance of aircraft engines and their components. The inauguration event also featured the graduation ceremony of aircraft maintenance technicians who completed an intensive training program. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, the Director General of Saudia Group, and His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser emphasized the significance of the JPC in advancing knowledge transfer, expanding localization efforts, and enhancing local content within the transportation and logistics sector. He highlighted the importance of investing in Saudi talent, aligning with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy. The JPC, situated within the MRO Village, is expected to bolster maintenance capacity, incorporating cutting-edge techniques while optimizing energy consumption. Al-Jasser expressed gratitude for the support received from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince.
Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar underscored Saudia Group's commitment to increasing the localization of the aviation industry and fostering its development. The JPC, equipped with significant capabilities, enhances Saudia Technic's regional standing in the aviation sector. The expansion of the center's capacity aligns with efforts to grow a pool of qualified national talents capable of overseeing specialized technical operations to global standards. The Test Cell Center, a notable facility within the JPC, is recognized as one of the world's largest centers for engine testing.
The JPC covers an area of 12,230 square meters and features the Test Cell Center, capable of withstanding engine thrusts of up to 150,000 pounds. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the center tests prominent engines, such as the Boeing 777's GE90-115B engine, ensuring functionality and operational indicators before installation on aircraft. The JPC is set to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2024.
The graduating class of aircraft maintenance technicians comprises 42 individuals who completed a comprehensive two-year training program at Saudia Academy in collaboration with the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in the United States. The program included theoretical and practical training, equipping participants with diverse technical skills in engine repairs, testing, aircraft structure maintenance, and electronic devices.
During the event, the Public Investment Fund announced its investment in Saudia Technic to support its position as a leading national company in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. This investment will aid in the creation of an MRO Village covering one million square meters, offering a range of aircraft maintenance services.
