Gulf Industrial Sector Grows by 8% Reaching $434 Bln

The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.
The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.
TT

Gulf Industrial Sector Grows by 8% Reaching $434 Bln

The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.
The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.

Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef said that industry is a key economic sector at the level of the GCC countries.

It ranks second among the member countries with a contribution of more than 12.2 percent, he added.

This sector grew by 8 percent during 2022 compared to 2021, reaching $434 billion.

The city of Salalah witnessed the inauguration of the first Gulf industrial exhibition, on the sidelines of the 65th Trade Cooperation Committee, the 51st Industrial Cooperation Committee, the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs, and the consultative meeting between Commerce and Industry ministries and heads of federations and chambers of the GCC states in the period between 13-15 September.

Al-Youssef noted that the GCC countries achieved a growth of more than 6 percent in the Gulf economy during 2022 and their GCD passed $2.4 trillion. It is further expected to reach $6 trillion in 2050.

GCC intra-trade exceeded $107 billion, added the minister, noting that the sovereign fund financial assets at the GCC countries surpassed $3225 billion.

The 65th GCC Trade Cooperation Committee meeting discussed several important topics, including the creation of a permanent committee concerned with investment, taking a decision regarding the trade and economic ministers meeting with China 6+1, and the GCC trade laws.

It was attended by Nigel Huddleston, the UK Minister of State for International Trade. The meeting reviewed the GCC-UK free trade agreement that is still being negotiated between the GCC and the UK.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
TT

Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.