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.



Saudi Factories Surpass 2023 Targets, Boosting Product Competitiveness

A Saudi factory located in the industrial city of Asir in the southern region of the Kingdom (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Saudi factory located in the industrial city of Asir in the southern region of the Kingdom (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Factories Surpass 2023 Targets, Boosting Product Competitiveness

A Saudi factory located in the industrial city of Asir in the southern region of the Kingdom (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Saudi factory located in the industrial city of Asir in the southern region of the Kingdom (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi factories are increasingly adopting automation to improve product quality and competitiveness while cutting costs.
A total of 479 factories have completed the Smart Industry Readiness Index “SIRI” assessment, exceeding the Kingdom’s 2023 targets.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources started evaluating the second group of factories under the Future Factories Program in July 2023. This phase covers 260 factories, each with licensed capital over SAR 200 million ($53.3 million).
According to a recent report reviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Ministry resolved 97 challenges last year and provided consultancy support to 17 factories to protect national industries from unfair competition.
In the 2023 Digital Transformation Measurement Program, the Ministry achieved 87.08% success and connected with over 67 government entities. It also launched several systems and websites to support its strategic goals.
Saudi Arabia’s mining sector achieved a 98% compliance rate in licensing, with 15 new mining sites designated last year.
The government launched a geological mapping project for the Arabian Shield, producing 271 reports and maps, and introduced a service to match petrochemical raw materials with industrial needs.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources reported a 10% increase in operational factories in 2023, from 10,518 in 2022 to 11,549. New licenses totaled 1,379, attracting over SAR 81 billion ($21.6 billion) in investments. Production began in 1,058 factories, with investments of SAR 45 billion ($12 billion).
By the end of December 2023, the total number of operational factories in Saudi Arabia reached around 11,549, with investments totaling SAR 1.541 trillion ($410.9 billion).
New licenses covered 25 industries, led by food production (244 licenses), non-metallic minerals (176), fabricated metals (165), and rubber and plastics (123).
National companies received the majority of new licenses (1,043), followed by foreign investments (194) and joint ventures (142).
Small enterprises received the most licenses (1,203), followed by medium-sized enterprises (158), micro-enterprises (15), and large enterprises (3).