Saudi Arabia intends to procure an undisclosed number of Chinook helicopters and up to 16 widebody aircraft from US-based Boeing.

These were among several agreements that were announced on the second day of President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom.

Specifically, the agreements include:

• purchase of Chinook helicopters and associated support services as well as guided weapon systems
• an intent for Saudi Arabia’s to order P-8 maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which are based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane
• a joint venture with the Saudi government to provide sustainment services for a wide range of military platforms. The agreement also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to grow its indigenous aerospace industry and ecosystem through its Vision 2030 initiative
• a commercial registration certificate for the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company, a newly formed joint venture of Boeing, Alsalam Aerospace Industries and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries with bases in both Riyadh and Jeddah that will provide support for both military and commercial helicopters
• an agreement between Boeing and SaudiGulf Airlines, a privately-owned low cost carrier, to negotiate the sale of up to 16 widebody airplanes

Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Boeing dates back to 1945, when then US President Roosevelt presented a DC-3 to King Abdul Aziz al-Saud.

The agreements were signed as Boeing’s $16.6bn deal with Iranian’s flag carrier Iran Air has yet to be finalised, along with a separate $3bn deal with privately-owned Aseman Airlines for 30 Boeing 737 Max planes.