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
Security & Policing Rectangle

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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Helen Hardy appointed CEO of CILT (UK)

Aerospace

Helen Hardy appointed CEO of CILT (UK)

2 February 2026

The Board of Trustees of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) is pleased to confirm the appointment of Helen Hardy as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following a successful seven-month period as Interim CEO.

Report exposes airports’ long term investment and financial viability challenge

Aerospace

Report exposes airports’ long term investment and financial viability challenge

2 February 2026

ACI EUROPE recently released a landmark report on the future viability of the airport industry, based on research conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG): 'Decoupling Financial Viability from Volume Growth: Charting the Way Forward for Europe’s Airports'.

Cranfield recognised with Gold Employer Recognition Award

Aerospace Defence

Cranfield recognised with Gold Employer Recognition Award

30 January 2026

Cranfield University has successfully revalidated its prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Scheme status, awarded by the Ministry of Defence to organisations that support the Armed Forces community and share the values in the Armed Forces Covenant.

IATA reports strong passenger and cargo demand in 2025

Aerospace

IATA reports strong passenger and cargo demand in 2025

29 January 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released 2025 full-year and December 2025 global passenger market and air cargo performance data showing record high demand.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Farnborough International confirms headline speakers for SSWS

Aerospace Events

Farnborough International confirms headline speakers for SSWS

29 January 2026

The first wave of speakers has been announced for the next instalment of Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS), taking place 17th–18th March 2026 at Farnborough.

Funding of £20m set to find Britain’s next defence unicorn

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

Funding of £20m set to find Britain’s next defence unicorn

29 January 2026

The search for the UK’s next defence unicorn has kicked off with the launch of a bespoke £20 million fund to offer accelerated contracts to small, innovative British startups who have had limited or no business with the Ministry of Defence.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB