Chemical Sustainability in the Gulf Will Be Highlight of GPCA Forum in December

Proceedings of the GPCA in 2020. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Proceedings of the GPCA in 2020. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Chemical Sustainability in the Gulf Will Be Highlight of GPCA Forum in December

Proceedings of the GPCA in 2020. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Proceedings of the GPCA in 2020. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) is set to discuss the challenges facing the sector and propose solutions for them at the 16th edition of the annual forum in December.

The forum, “Shaping a Sustainable Future with Chemicals”, will take place in Riyadh for the first time from December 6 to 8.

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman will deliver the inaugural speech and chair a dialogue session with Gulf energy ministers.

GPCA Secretary General Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun said this year’s forum is being held amid extraordinary circumstances in the world.

The chemical industry is facing several challenges, most notably in regards to climate, food security and the economy, creating uncertainty over the future of the industry.

Al-Sadoun said he was looking forward to discussions that would provide solutions to global challenges and highlight how digitization and innovation can contribute to the industry.

Participants will also spotlight plans set in place by companies to commit to their obligations toward sustainability and decarbonization.

Welcome remarks will be delivered by Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of SABIC and Chairman of the GPCA.

It will be followed by an inaugural address by Prince Abdulaziz.

Energy ministers will hold a panel on “Balancing net-zero ambitions in the energy sector with growth – A policymaker’s balancing act.”

Keynote sessions on December 6 will feature Amin Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, and Dr. Martin Brudermuller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF.

Talks at the three-day event will focus on the most urgent issues affecting the sector, including the transformation to clean energy, changing the concepts of environmental and social practices, restructuring future supply chains of chemicals, and innovation in the agri-nutrients industry.

The GPCA annual forum was launched in 2006 and has become the key event in the chemicals industry regionally and globally.

More than 2,500 representatives of around 600 companies from 91 countries will participate in this year’s edition.



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.