Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Saudi Arabia’s Historic Purchase of Boeing Aircraft

President Biden ran for office determined to make the United States the global leader once again in manufacturing.  Last month, Boeing completed its second largest commercial transaction in history for over 200 aircraft to support an expansion of Air India’s commercial fleet.  Today, Boeing completed two deals with Saudi Arabia to manufacture up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with General Electric’s most advanced GEnex engines.  These landmark deals with Saudi Arabia – one to anchor a new airline and another to expand an existing fleet – are valued at nearly $37 billion.  In a period of weeks, Boeing has closed two of its largest transactions in the history of the company.  Together, these deals will support over one million American jobs in the aerospace supply chain across 44 states.  The most recent deals with Saudi Arabia alone support more than 140,000 American jobs, many of which do not require a four year college degree.  We are particularly pleased that Boeing was able to finally conclude these deals with Saudi Arabia after years of discussions, and intensive negotiations over recent months.  Today’s announcement ensures that Boeing and General Electric will anchor Saudi Arabia’s new international airline together with support for a new international airport.  This partnership is another milestone in eight decades of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and American industry.  Our administration looks forward to working with Saudi Arabia and all partners in the Middle East to support a more prosperous, secure, and integrated region, which ultimately benefits the American people.

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