Russia Eyes Domestic Produced Aircraft Exports To Saudi Arabia

*A Sukhoi Superjet SJ-100 in Saudi Airlines livery*

Saudi Arabia is being considered as one of the potential export markets for Russian aviation industry products, according to Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov. Cooperation in the aviation industry was discussed during a meeting this week with Saudi Arabian Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar al-Khorayef.

Alikhanov said “For now, we are primarily looking at the market with regard to aircraft that are already undergoing certification, as well as small aircraft being developed by the Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UCAP] which could also find their place in this market.”

Russia is currently preparing to certify fully import-substituted versions of the MC-21 and SJ-100 aircraft, with all procedures planned for completion by the end of 2025. These are being marketed as alternatives to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Both are in demand in Russia due to the aircraft balance of range, capacity and passengers’ comfort.

Simultaneously, development is underway on regional aircraft to replace the outdated An-2, in particular the light multipurpose aircraft LMS-901 Baikal by JSC UCAP, with the first deliveries of Baikal aircraft expected by late 2026.

The Saudi Arabian aviation market is experiencing substantial growth, with a projected market size of US$11.92 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.60% between 2025 and 2033, according to the research agency the IMARC Group. This growth is driven by national reforms, government investments in airport infrastructure, and increasing tourism. The market is also seeing expansion in low-cost carriers and a focus on sustainability. Saudi Arabia currently has a total of 29 airports, including 12 international airports, 3 regional airports and 14 domestic airports.

Saudi passenger growth is expected to reach 330 million annually by 2030, up from 2024’s 128 million, with a doubling of cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons during the same period. Saudi Arabian Airlines plan to place orders for more than 100 aircraft in the next five years, while the budget airline Flyadeal aims to expand its fleet from 44 to 100 aircraft by 2030.