Aviation giant Boeing has appointed Fahad Al Mheiri as vice president for the Middle East Gulf and North Africa, effective January 2026, reinforcing its leadership bench as the company deepens engagement across one of its most strategically important global markets.

Based in Dubai, Al Mheiri will be responsible for leading Boeing’s strategic relationships with government, defense, and enterprise stakeholders across the region.

His mandate includes strengthening long-term partnerships that support national aerospace strategies, industrial growth, and capability development.

He succeeds Kuljit Ghata-Aura, who has moved into a new executive role within Boeing.

The company confirmed that its Saudi Arabia operations will continue to be managed separately under Asaad Aljomoai, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, reflecting the kingdom’s distinct strategic role within Boeing’s regional structure.

Al Mheiri joins Boeing from Raytheon Emirates, where he served as managing director.

In that role, he played a key part in advancing local industrial participation, operational performance, and partnerships aligned with the UAE’s long-term defense and technology ambitions.

“Fahad’s extensive aerospace experience and his strong relationships in the region will enable us to continue to build on our 80-year legacy across the Middle East Gulf and North Africa, one of the world’s most thriving aerospace markets,” said Brendan Nelson, President of Boeing Global.

The appointment comes as Boeing continues efforts to regain stability following a year of supply chain challenges and aircraft delivery delays.

Despite setbacks, the company reported progress in ramping up 737 MAX production and strengthening regional partnerships to meet surging travel and defense demand across the Gulf.

Boeing secured over 150 aircraft commitments during the Dubai Airshow this year, including firm orders and memoranda of understanding. The standout deal was Emirates’ firm order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, valued at $38 billion.

In its Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), Boeing projects that the Middle East fleet will more than double over the next two decades, amid a new era of growth and modernization.

Source: Aviation Business/Gulf News