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
FIA2026 animated banner
ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

Aerospace Space Events

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

14 April 2026

During the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX) today, Viasat announced it has entered Boeing’s technical evaluation process to assess and qualify Viasat AERA, the company’s next-gen electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, across all current Boeing commercial airplane programmes.

NI aerospace innovation showcased at AIX

Aerospace Events

NI aerospace innovation showcased at AIX

14 April 2026

Today, three Northern Ireland aerospace companies are presenting their innovative aerospace solutions to airlines at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), Hamburg Messe, 14th-16th April 2026.

World’s busiest airports revealed

Aerospace

World’s busiest airports revealed

14 April 2026

Today, Airports Council International (ACI) World has revealed the 2025 rankings of the world’s busiest airports, highlighting the industry’s leading hubs across total passengers, international passengers, air cargo and aircraft movements.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Scottish Leather scales up BioFoam production

Aerospace

Scottish Leather scales up BioFoam production

13 April 2026

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has opened a 75,000 sq. ft facility in Glasgow to design and manufacture BioPRO, its protein-based, recoverable moulded foam, with the new site marking a significant investment in the Group’s sustainable interior materials innovation for multiple passenger transport sectors and enabling its Muirhead brand to scale up ...

ACS UK unveils OMNIA at AIX 2026

Aerospace Events

ACS UK unveils OMNIA at AIX 2026

13 April 2026

Marking its return to Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026, ACS UK has unveiled OMNIA to demonstrate its capabilities in the design, engineering and manufacturing of customised premium cabin interiors.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner