Bloomberg: Airbus to Import Metals from Saudi Arabia Worth SAR 2.5 Billion

News reports revealed that Airbus plans to import metals, particularly titanium, from Saudi Arabia as part of a deal with the Kingdom’s national carrier.

The deal includes an order from Saudi Arabian Airlines for 20 long-range aircraft, and Airbus is set to purchase raw materials worth SAR 2.5 billion from Saudi Arabia, according to Bloomberg News.

This agreement comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become an aviation and tourism hub and localize manufacturing in various industries.

Sanctions related to the Ukraine crisis have made it difficult for Airbus and Boeing and their subcontractors to secure raw materials such as titanium, leading to higher prices.

Aircraft manufacturers and airlines are also facing the potential repercussions of the titanic tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and their impact on the already strained aerospace supply chain. Russia is a major supplier of this lightweight metal, which is used in everything from spacecraft to iPhones and luxury watches.