Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Cranfield University and Saudi Arabia sign civil aviation MoU

Aerospace Events

Cranfield University and Saudi Arabia sign civil aviation MoU

Last week Cranfield University welcomed a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Prince Sultan University, led by His Excellency Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-duailej, President of GACA, wherein they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ‘cooperation in the field of civil aviation’ between Cranfield University, Prince Sultan University and GACA’s Civil Aviation Academy.

Image courtesy Cranfield

The MoU will not only focus on collaboration in aviation research and development between the organisations but also cover training and development across different aviation fields, including potential opportunities for students from Saudi Arabia to study at Cranfield.

The delegation visited Cranfield University’s facilities including the Digital Aviation and Research Centre (DARTeC), the Digital Air Traffic Control Centre and a look inside the Aerospace Integration Research Centre with the chance to experience the Rolls-Royce Future Systems flight simulator.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The President of GACA also gave a speech to Cranfield staff and students, detailing his vision for the future of Saudi Arabian aviation as a tourism and logistical hub and expressing his admiration for the quality of the facilities he had seen at Cranfield.

The MoU was then signed by Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Dr Ahmad AlYamani, President of Prince Sultan University, and Ahmed AlZahrani, President of the Saudi Civil Aviation Academy.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Professor Dame Karen Holford said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a detailed, ambitious vision for the future of aviation which makes them a perfect partner for Cranfield. The future of the air transport sector is shaped through partnerships, and together we can help aviation evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
LEDsynergy partners with LEDX Technology

Aerospace Defence Security

LEDsynergy partners with LEDX Technology

8 May 2026

Andover based LEDsynergy, a long-established UK manufacturer of LED display solutions, has announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with India’s LED display manufacturer LEDX Technology, marking a significant step forward in its global production strategy.

Vision Engineering to showcase high-tech solutions at Smart Factory Expo

Aerospace Defence Events

Vision Engineering to showcase high-tech solutions at Smart Factory Expo

8 May 2026

UK based designer and manufacturer of high-tech ergonomic optical and digital inspection, metrology systems and bespoke engineering solutions, Vision Engineering Group, has revealed its expansive showcase for the upcoming Smart Factory Expo, taking place next month at the NEC in Birmingham from 3rd-4th June 2026.

Amazon conducts first UK drone delivery flights with MK30

Aerospace

Amazon conducts first UK drone delivery flights with MK30

8 May 2026

Amazon has begun conducting drone parcel delivery flights out of its Darlington fulfilment centre in County Durham, with the northern town becoming the first location in the UK from which the retailer has launched Prime Air services using the MK30, Amazon's most advanced drone yet.

CAA licences NATS to deliver UKADS

Aerospace

CAA licences NATS to deliver UKADS

7 May 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made changes to the air traffic services licence held by NATS, with the new regulatory framework enabling NATS to begin delivering the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS), establishing new responsibilities for NATS in airspace design and coordination, alongside arrangements to support airports in progressing ...

Advertisement
ODU RT
AirAsia orders 150 A220s

Aerospace

AirAsia orders 150 A220s

7 May 2026

Malaysia’s AirAsia has placed an order for 150 latest generation A220-300 aircraft, which is the largest single firm order placed for the A220 and propels the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone.

Voyant appoints James Norwood as CEO

Aerospace Defence Security

Voyant appoints James Norwood as CEO

7 May 2026

Voyant today announced the appointment of James Norwood as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner