Saudi Arabia's flynas Purchases 30 New Airbus Aircraft

flynas has firmed up an order with Airbus for 30 new A320neo Family aircraft. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
flynas has firmed up an order with Airbus for 30 new A320neo Family aircraft. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia's flynas Purchases 30 New Airbus Aircraft

flynas has firmed up an order with Airbus for 30 new A320neo Family aircraft. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
flynas has firmed up an order with Airbus for 30 new A320neo Family aircraft. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi air carrier and a leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, flynas, has firmed up an order with Airbus for 30 new A320neo Family aircraft, taking the airline's total order with Airbus to 120 A320neo aircraft, including 10 A321XLRs.

Through the $3.7 billion agreement, flynas seeks to boost its position and contribute to the growth of the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia.

It also aims to boost efforts to achieve its ambitious plans by introducing its fleet's most advanced and fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft.

The agreement was signed at the Paris Airshow by flynas CEO Bandar al-Mhanna, Airbus CCO Christian Schere, in the presence of the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh al-Jasser, President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz al-Duailj, and chairman of NAS Holding Ayed al-Jeaid.

"As we continue to grow, receiving several awards for excellence in operations and customer services and invest in our offering, we are delighted to confirm our latest order with Airbus," said Mhanna.

He asserted that the A320neo Family brings unmatched benefits to flynas' passengers, offering exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits while helping provide unique travel experiences at low cost.

Airbus CCO explained that unbeatable economics, more extended range capability, and the most spacious single aisle cabin have made the A320neo Family the preferred choice of airlines worldwide.

"We look forward to working with flynas as it develops its future fleet and presence in the fast-growing Saudi market," said Scherer.

flynas is an all-Airbus operator and was the first airline in Saudi Arabia to acquire the A320neo.

The carrier currently operates a fleet of 32 A320neos, 13 A320ceos, and four A330-300s. The new aircraft will support the airline's growth plans as it expands its international routes and destinations network.

The A320neo Family incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines, Sharklets, and aerodynamics, delivering at least 20 percent lower fuel burn and CO2 emission savings.

With more than 8,700 orders from 136 customers, the A320neo Family is the world's most popular aircraft.



Saudi-Indian Business Council: Modi’s Visit to Launch Strategic Private Sector Partnership

A photo of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 (SPA)
A photo of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 (SPA)
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Saudi-Indian Business Council: Modi’s Visit to Launch Strategic Private Sector Partnership

A photo of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 (SPA)
A photo of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 (SPA)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for an official visit during which he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss trade, investment, and energy cooperation.

In anticipation of the visit, the Saudi-Indian business community has expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties and advancing toward deeper economic integration through the launch of new joint projects that aim to establish a strategic partnership between the two countries’ private sectors.

Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, Chairman of the Saudi-Indian Business Council, told Asharq Al-Awsat that India is Saudi Arabia’s third-largest trading partner in terms of exports and fourth in terms of imports, underscoring the importance of their economic relationship.

Al-Qahtani noted that trade between the two countries has grown significantly in recent years, with total bilateral trade reaching approximately $157 billion in 2023—a 20% year-on-year increase.

India’s major exports to the Kingdom include chemical products, organic and inorganic materials, pearls, precious stones, metals, copper, and aluminum. In return, Saudi imports from India consist of plant-based and mineral products, pharmaceuticals, apparel, iron goods, machinery, electrical equipment, and vehicles.

Regarding new initiatives and agreements, Al-Qahtani highlighted two private sector agreements signed in February, signaling both nations’ serious commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development.

He added that the council is currently working on several initiatives, including activating the bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, implementing the double taxation avoidance treaty, and proposing frameworks for preferential treatment. These steps aim to enable unconventional projects to benefit from advantages available in both countries.

Al-Qahtani also noted the rising presence of Indian companies in the Saudi market, with more than 50 firms currently operating in the Kingdom. Several of these companies have recently opened regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia.

The sectors with the highest Indian activity include construction—with 20 companies in this field—along with health, training, and technology. “We are now set to begin cooperation in the manufacturing sector as well,” Al-Qahtani said.