Iraq Reopens North Refinery in Baiji Closed for a Decade 

In this handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on February 23, 2024, workers pose for a picture with PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) during a ceremony held on the occasion of the reopening of North Oil Refinery in Baiji, north of Baghdad. (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office / AFP)
In this handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on February 23, 2024, workers pose for a picture with PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) during a ceremony held on the occasion of the reopening of North Oil Refinery in Baiji, north of Baghdad. (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office / AFP)
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Iraq Reopens North Refinery in Baiji Closed for a Decade 

In this handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on February 23, 2024, workers pose for a picture with PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) during a ceremony held on the occasion of the reopening of North Oil Refinery in Baiji, north of Baghdad. (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office / AFP)
In this handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on February 23, 2024, workers pose for a picture with PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) during a ceremony held on the occasion of the reopening of North Oil Refinery in Baiji, north of Baghdad. (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office / AFP)

Iraq reopened on Friday what was once the country's largest oil refinery, a step the government hopes will lead to an end to its dependence on fuel imports.  

The North Refinery in the city of Baiji, 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Baghdad, was heavily damaged in some of the fiercest battles with the ISIS group after it swept across a third of Iraq in 2014.  

After the facility's full rehabilitation, "the refinery's effective capacity is 250,000 barrels per day," Assem Jihad, the spokesman for Iraq's oil ministry, told AFP.

Two smaller production units at the refinery complex were opened in recent years, but Friday's reopening restored the refinery closer to its previous capacity, with an additional unit capable of producing 150,000 bpd.

"With this accomplishment, we are getting closer to meeting the country's (oil) derivative needs no later than mid next year," Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office said, adding that doing so would enable Iraq to end its fuel imports.  

The oil-rich country "produces four million barrels a day, but still imports oil derivatives," Sudani added during the inauguration ceremony aired on state television.  

Constructed in 1975, the refinery produced up to 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) before ISIS seized the city of Baiji -- Iraq's one-time industrial hub -- in June 2014.  

Government forces retook the facility and the city in October 2015 during fierce clashes with the extremists, but severe damage meant the refinery remained closed for years.  

Other refineries operate in Iraq, with facilities in the south recording a production capacity of 280,000 bpd, according to Jihad.  

In April, Iraq inaugurated an oil refinery in the central city of Karbala with a capacity of 140,000 bpd.  

Ravaged by decades of conflict, Iraq's crumbling infrastructure and endemic corruption have obstructed reconstruction efforts.  

Despite its tremendous oil wealth, the country remains dependent on imports to meet energy needs.  

Iraq has 145 billion barrels of proven oil reserves amounting to 96 years' worth of production at the current rate, according to the World Bank.  

Crude oil sales make up 90 percent of the Iraqi budget's revenues.



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)
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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.