Saudi Arabia to emerge has the potential to become a major player in the aviation industry in the Middle East alongside the UAE and Qatar regional heavyweights as the kingdom begins developing a plan to develop its aviation sector, said a Boeing executive.

“There are a lot of ambitions in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia right now,” Randy Heisey, Boeing’s general manager of commercial marketing for the Middle East, Africa, Russia and Central Asia told reporters in Dubai on Monday.

“If they are able to deliver on Vision 2030, they can be a key player in growth here.”

When asked if Boeing was in talks to order aircraft from a Saudi Arabian airline, he directed the question to the airline for details on his business plan.

“We are eager to bring all good deals, including that entity, so we look forward to ongoing talks with all airlines in the region,” he said. “I can tell you that our goal is to demonstrate the value proposition and versatility of Boeing products to all airlines, as well as new airlines.”

The Saudi kingdom’s aviation strategy calls for a tripling of annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030, an increase in the number of destinations to 250 from the current 99, and the creation of a new national airline. This strategy is supported by $ 100 billion in government and private sector investment.

Saudi Arabia to emerge drive to develop its aviation sector is part of its Vision 2030 plan which aims to diversify its economy away from oil.