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.



New French Finance Minister Eyes 2025 Deficit Slightly Above 5%

FILE PHOTO: Newly appointed Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Eric Lombard departs following a handover ceremony at the Bercy Economy and Finance Ministry in Paris, France, December 23, 2024.  REUTERS/Saboor Abdul/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Newly appointed Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Eric Lombard departs following a handover ceremony at the Bercy Economy and Finance Ministry in Paris, France, December 23, 2024. REUTERS/Saboor Abdul/File Photo
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New French Finance Minister Eyes 2025 Deficit Slightly Above 5%

FILE PHOTO: Newly appointed Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Eric Lombard departs following a handover ceremony at the Bercy Economy and Finance Ministry in Paris, France, December 23, 2024.  REUTERS/Saboor Abdul/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Newly appointed Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Eric Lombard departs following a handover ceremony at the Bercy Economy and Finance Ministry in Paris, France, December 23, 2024. REUTERS/Saboor Abdul/File Photo

France's delayed 2025 budget bill will target a deficit of "slightly above 5%" in order to protect growth, the country's new finance minister said in a newspaper interview.
Eric Lombard, previously head of Caisse des Depots, the investment arm of the French government, will be tasked with steering through parliament a budget after the previous government lost a no-confidence vote in early December amid a backlash against its belt-tightening proposals.
Lombard's deficit objective for next year is higher than the 5% targeted by the last government. But it would still represent a drop from this year when the deficit is expected to widen to above 6% of gross domestic product.
"We need to amend this (budget) bill to establish a good budget. With a deficit slightly above 5% so as to protect growth," Lombard told La Tribune Dimanche.
"To protect growth, the reduction of the deficit must come more through reductions in public spending than through taxation," he said, adding that any tax increases should be "very limited.”
According to Reuters, he said he would consult all political parties in the French parliament and that the discussions would contribute to the government's budget proposals.
Lombard was named last Monday as part of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's government.
Bayrou, who, like predecessor Michel Barnier, lacks a working majority in parliament, has said he aims to have a budget ready by mid-February.