Saudi MODON, Techno for Advanced Materials Agree to Establish First CNTs Plant

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
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Saudi MODON, Techno for Advanced Materials Agree to Establish First CNTs Plant

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

The Saudi Organization for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) signed an agreement with a technology company for advanced materials to host the latter’s first plant to produce Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an effort to empower the industry in Saudi Arabia and support value added industries.

While Saudi Arabia has been working to boost the growth of industrial production, thus increasing its contribution to its GDP, Modon aims to support value added industries and stimulate local companies to expand in this field.

The agreement aims at supporting the specialized company to establish its first factory for the production of CNTs, which stimulate the paint industry and is in line with modern construction techniques.

It comes as Saudi factories achieved positive growth rates in the second quarter of 2018, confirming the vitality of these factories and their ability to contribute effectively to the Kingdom’s GDP.

The country’s economic growth rates started to increase in 2018, with expectations for higher growth this year.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics issued the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for the second Quarter 2018, which shows the results of the relative change and development in the quantities of materials and goods produced.

“When comparing the results of the second quarter 2018 with the results of the previous quarter (Q1 2018), we find that the production quantities have increased by 4.17 percent in all industrial activities, amounting to 137.87 points,” the report said.

The production increase rate in the mining and quarrying activity rise up 1.89 percent. However, the production growth rate increased by 5.07 percent in the manufacturing industry activity, and the electricity and gas supply activity rise by 83.46 percent.

“Furthermore, when comparing the results of the second quarter 2018 with the results of the second quarter 2017, we find that the production quantities increase by 5.84 percent in all industrial activities,” the report explained.

The production growth rate recorded 16.44 percent in the manufacturing industry activity while the production rate of electricity and gas supply has recorded a decrease of 0.30 percent.

These results coincide with the process of providing industrial land developed at very nominal prices, one of the most important support tools provided by Saudi Arabia to investors in the industrial sector, in addition to the provision of high financial loans to these investors.



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.