Blackshape Aircraft Signs Saudi Arabia Partnership in 2025

Saudi Arabia – Italian aircraft manufacturer Blackshape Aircraft, part of Angel Holding, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi conglomerate Al-Qahtani during the Italy–Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Riyadh, establishing a new commercial partnership for the promotion of Blackshape Aircraft’s Prime and Gabriel training aircraft in the Kingdom. The agreement represents a strategic step in Blackshape’s expansion into the Middle East and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for military and ab-initio training platforms.

• Under the MoU, Al-Qahtani will serve as Blackshape’s partner for marketing the Prime and Gabriel aircraft across Saudi Arabia, with discussions already underway for potential future local production of Italian-built aircraft in the Kingdom.
• The agreement was signed by Blackshape CEO Niccolò Chierroni and Abdullah Abdel Hadi Al-Qahtani, Vice President of Al-Qahtani, in the presence of senior leadership from both Angel Holding and Al-Qahtani Group.
• According to media reports Blackshape Aircraft is also reported to be in active negotiations with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) regarding the potential supply of more than 30 Gabriel aircraft for basic military pilot training.
• A preliminary phase of the proposed contract would include initial RSAF pilot training in Italy, conducted at Blackshape’s training base located at Grottaglie Airport.

Source: Italian Media Reporting