Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef recently visited JetZero and SpaceX in California, USA, to discuss enhancing cooperation and exploring opportunities in the aviation and space industries in Saudi Arabia. The minister met with JetZero founder Mark Page to discuss potential partnerships in the aviation sector, development of local supply chains, and utilization of Saudi Arabia’s mineral resources to boost manufacturing capabilities in the country.
JetZero, a startup founded in Long Beach, California, focuses on developing aircraft with an innovative “Blended Wing Body” design to achieve high fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company aims to become a leader in sustainable aviation by designing aircraft that consume up to 50 percent less fuel compared to conventional planes, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
During his visit, Minister Alkhorayef also met with SpaceX CFO Brett Johnson to discuss opportunities for developing the space industry and supporting supply chain development. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is a leading company in the aviation and space sectors with a vision to enable human exploration of Mars through groundbreaking rocket and spacecraft technologies.
The National Industrial Strategy of Saudi Arabia outlines a promising future for the Kingdom’s aviation and space sectors, focusing on launching the first Saudi satellite and adopting cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones. This strategy aims to enhance the competitiveness of the national industry and position Saudi Arabia as a leading country in the aviation and space fields on a global scale.
The visit of Minister Alkhorayef to California is part of ongoing efforts to foster industrial and mining cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia, strengthen ties between the two countries, and attract high-quality investments to the Kingdom. The discussions between the minister and the American companies aim to explore mutual investment opportunities in key industrial sectors, particularly aviation and space, to support the growth and development of these industries in Saudi Arabia.
