United States has welcomed the moves for Saudi Arabia to purchase up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with General Electric’s most advanced GEnex engines to anchor the newly-formed Riyadh Air and expand the Saudia Airlines fleet.
According to the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken in a statement on Tuesday, stated that these deals, valued at nearly $37 billion, follow years of discussions, including engagement by United States officials.
He said, “Together with Boeing’s historic Air India announcement last month, these deals will support over one million American jobs in the aerospace supply chain across 44 states. This is a clear win for American workers and enhances America’s global leadership in manufacturing.
“Acquiring these technologically sophisticated aircraft and engines will enable Riyadh Air and Saudia Airlines to provide service for passengers to over 100 destinations in the United States and around the globe”, Blinken added.
Secretary of State assured that United States will continue to work with Saudi Arabia and all partners in the Middle East to support a more prosperous, secure, and integrated region, which ultimately benefits the American people.
Also reacting to this development, Lindsey Graham said, “Great news for South Carolina. I worked very closely with Boeing, the South Carolina delegation, Saudi Arabia and the administration to overcome the obstacles to make this deal possible.
“The Biden Administration has done a terrific job in moving the ball forward and was instrumental in landing this purchase. As always, Governor McMaster and Commerce Secretary Lightsey were there to make good things happen for South Carolina”.
Graham noted that this decision by Saudi Arabia to purchase Boeing 787s, manufactured in South Carolina to start Riyadh Air and support Saudia Airlines, is a game changer in so many ways.
“It solidifies Boeing’s presence in Charleston for years to come, and validates the quality of the South Carolina workforce. Boeing has been a great corporate citizen for the people of South Carolina.
“As I have repeatedly stated, this multi-billion dollar direct investment by Saudi Arabia in the United States will pay dividends regarding valuable bilateral relationship between our two countries over time. I will do everything in my power to make sure this is a win-win for all concerned”.
Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, in a statement on Tuesday, congratulated Boeing and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on finalizing which he claimed to be one of largest commercial agreements in the history of the U.S-Saudi partnership.
“Today’s announcement will deliver world-class passenger aircraft to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and power economic growth and job creation in both countries.
“This is a clear win for American manufacturers and workers, supporting more than 140,000 jobs at over 300 Boeing suppliers across 38 states.
“Moreover, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has selected GE Aerospace’s GEnx engine to power the aircraft, providing billions more in U.S. exports and supporting good-paying American jobs”, Gina said.
He acknowledged that under the Govt of President Biden, America is experiencing a manufacturing renaissance, and agreements like the one announced today underscore the strength of America’s private sector, workers, and technology in the competitive global landscape.
“Today’s announcement, when taken together with the historic announcement last month between Boeing and Air India, means Boeing in a period of weeks has closed two of its largest commercial transactions in the history of the company.
“The Department of Commerce was pleased to support these landmark deals. We are also proud to have American companies anchor Saudi Arabia’s new flagship international airline together with a new international airport.
In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt provided King Abdulaziz al Saud with Saudi Arabia’s first airplane, a DC-3 Dakota. Today’s announcement is a fitting tribute to an economic partnership between our two countries now in its eighth decade”.