Saudi Aviation, Travel Industry Financing to Exceed $37 Billion

Saudi Economy and Planning Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim delivers a speech at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Economy and Planning Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim delivers a speech at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Aviation, Travel Industry Financing to Exceed $37 Billion

Saudi Economy and Planning Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim delivers a speech at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Economy and Planning Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim delivers a speech at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Economy and Planning Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim has revealed that the Kingdom plans to boost its financing of travel, tourism, and aviation sectors. The finance ceiling will be raised to over SAR 140 billion ($37 billion), according to the minister.

Saudi Arabia has embarked on implementing digital application, e-government and attracting efficiencies due to the challenges facing the aviation sector in the world, al-Ibrahim said, noting that airports in Saudi Arabia, through Saudi Vision 2030, will provide several job opportunities to enhance national investments.

Al-Ibrahim’s remarks came at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday.

After the coronavirus pandemic, the Saudi economy began a rapid transition to revitalizing its aviation sector and industry, the minister pointed out.

He added that the Kingdom laid the foundations for investment in this field, stressing the need for countries of the world to focus on the sectors of the aviation industry because of its impact in promoting economic growth.

Al-Ibrahim called on decision-makers worldwide to focus on sustainability plans.

Delivering a speech during the Forum, organized by the General Authority for Civil Aviation in Riyadh, the minister noted that the Kingdom is ready for investment and development for the recovery from the pandemic, and for preparing global policies and procedures that match the new economy, adding that the economy has resumed after the pandemic and moved to stimulating the aviation sector and its industry.

He added that the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector was a fertile environment for investments.

Al-Ibrahim acknowledged that the development took a lot of effort in the system of legislative policies and the economy, stressing that in the wake of the pandemic, a greater appetite opened to attract investments.

“The Kingdom has put in place all the reasons for preparing to achieve this, as it is currently enjoying flexibility and recovery, and is compatible with the new economy,” he said.



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.