Interview: Gabriel Semelas, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, on how the aviation sector contributes to long-term diversification targets and effective strategies to cultivate expertise
In what ways is the growing aviation ecosystem contributing to Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and connectivity?
GABRIEL SEMELAS: Passenger volumes are rising rapidly, and several domestic and regional routes are now among the busiest worldwide. This reflects efforts to position the Kingdom as a travel, trade and tourism gateway linking Asia, Africa, North America and Europe. Aviation is enabling business mobility, driving tourism inflows and supporting logistics corridors tied to manufacturing and export growth globally. However, lasting success depends on the integration and efficiency of the entire aviation ecosystem, not just increased capacity. Coherent regulation, robust safety standards, airport modernisation, competitive fleet strategies, skilled workforce development and reliable operations at scale will shape the Kingdom’s emergence as a regional destination. As new carriers and airports expand international connectivity, aviation is becoming a core enabler of national development, underpinning Vision 2030 objectives across trade, investment, culture and economic diversification.
What do you identify as the key enablers for achieving meaningful localisation in terms of aerospace manufacturing and maintenance?
SEMELAS: Localisation in aerospace is a gradual and highly technical process. It goes well beyond establishing assembly lines or facility footprints. True localisation requires developing a resilient supply chain that meets international standards for safety and airworthiness, quality and on-time delivery performance. The sector is tightly regulated, and any firm contributing components or maintenance services must operate at globally benchmarked standards. Progress depends on long-term industrial partnerships and sustained investment in technical talent. Alignment between public institutions, private companies, training centres and regulators is essential to ensure quality and continuity.
How do you see the balance of rapid capacity expansion with commitments to sustainable aviation fuels, green airports and carbon-neutral operations?
SEMELAS: Fleet modernisation remains one of the most immediate and effective tools for reducing emissions, with new-generation aircraft already delivering significant fuel-efficiency and carbon reductions. New technologies, like advance materials and propulsion systems will also contribute to sustainable aviation. Another important pillar is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), where Saudi Arabia is working to develop a domestic fuel ecosystem. Government bodies, research institutions and industry partners are coordinating to identify viable feedstocks and establish local production capacity. The goal is to support progressively higher SAF blend usage, moving towards 100% SAF certification by 2030. Achieving this target will require scaled supply chains, cost competitiveness and policies that encourage adoption.
Which strategies are the most effective for cultivating expertise in engineering, flight operations and advanced manufacturing?
SEMELAS: As airlines expand, new carriers launch and airport infrastructure grows, demand will rise for pilots, aerospace engineers, cabin crews and aviation management professionals. Meeting this need, of more than 265,000 skilled workers across the Middle East region, requires various training pathways. To achieve this, priorities must include aligning university curricula with industry needs, establishing certified technical academies, expanding apprenticeships and enabling global knowledge exchange. Leadership development and advanced certification are also critical in regulated areas like airworthiness and safety. By cultivating these capabilities locally, the Kingdom reinforces its operational independence and ensures aviation sector growth is sustainable, resilient and nationally anchored.
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