MEBA10: Saudi spares supplier banks on Gulfstream growth

Sogerep’s Gulfstream customers include Saudi MEDEVAC, which operates a G-IV and two G-Vs, and national oil company Aramco. “We expect this part of our activities to grow significantly as the Saudi Gulfstream fleet expands over the next few years,” said executive VP Khalid Al-Sadhan. “We formally represent Gulfstream for the supply of spare parts and support, and have relationships with a number of other aircraft manufacturers, both fixed-wing and helicopter.”

Among the customers operating other fixed-wing types is Saudi Arabia’s National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, which uses aircraft to support its management of the country’s wildlife reserves. Sogerep’s rotary-wing relationships include a contract covering provision of support for Sikorsky types.

The heart of the Sogerep spares network is its logistic support centre in Dhahran. With a staff of 20 people, more than 3,000sqm of warehouse floor space and a computerised inventory control system, the centre holds stocks valued at up to $2 million at any one time. “We plan to expand our capacity there,” said Al-Sadhan. “Starting next year, we expect to increase the spares holding by up to 30 per cent.”      

The company holds spares for use by operators inside the country and also for onward supply to international customers. “The import/export part of the business is greatly facilitated by a government customs exemption, which allows us to move spares quickly to international customers anywhere in the world,” said Al-Sadhan.

Last year Sogerep recorded $10 million in turnover. “We weren’t as severely affected by the downturn as aviation companies in other regions,” explained Al-Sadhan. “As for the future, the Saudi government is investing again, and we think the prospects for the next few years are very positive.”