Boeing Affirms Support for Safe, Sustainable Aviation Market in Saudi Arabia

Boeing’s 787 aircrafts can achieve fuel savings and emissions reductions ranging from 20-25% (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Boeing’s 787 aircrafts can achieve fuel savings and emissions reductions ranging from 20-25% (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Boeing Affirms Support for Safe, Sustainable Aviation Market in Saudi Arabia

Boeing’s 787 aircrafts can achieve fuel savings and emissions reductions ranging from 20-25% (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Boeing’s 787 aircrafts can achieve fuel savings and emissions reductions ranging from 20-25% (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Boeing Co. is looking to support the growth of the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia over the coming years, according to Omar Arekat, vice president of Boeing's Commercial Sales and Marketing for Middle East and Africa.

Arekat voiced Boeing’s admiration for Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030,” a national transformation plan which also aims to develop the kingdom into a leading tourism and travel destination.

Deals concluded with Saudi airlines, such as Saudia and Riyadh Air, are part of a larger strategic plan to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation hub, revealed Arekat.

The plan aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of providing premium air services to 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030, he explained.

Saudi carriers have recently revealed a plan to buy up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Such a decision reflects the continuation of a partnership that has lasted for almost eight decades and has been instrumental in driving innovation and sustainable development in the Saudi aviation industry.

Additionally, this purchase is expected to strengthen the capacity to provide secure and sustainable commercial air transportation for long-term agreements, affirmed Arekat.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Arekat clarified that the 787 Dreamliner family, comprising high-efficiency aircraft, offers numerous comfort benefits to passengers.

Looking to meet high demand from airlines, Boeing developed the 787 aircraft family with the objective of providing unparalleled efficiency levels, enabling airlines to generate profits by launching new flights and transporting passengers directly to their final destinations.

The 787 aircraft have a competitive edge within their category, resulting in fuel savings and emissions reductions of 20-25%.

Arekat confirmed that the Middle East is one of Boeing's most significant markets in commercial, defense, and related service fields.

Boeing’s commitment to support the region’s immense growth potential in the aviation industry, including aircraft, infrastructure development, services, and financing, is evident in the company's strategy, he added.



Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Business activity in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four-month high in September, driven by strong demand, which led to faster growth in new orders. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), adjusted for seasonal factors, rose to 56.3 points from 54.8 in August, marking the highest reading since May and further distancing itself from the 50.0 level that indicates growth.

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders, alongside challenges in supply. The improvement in business conditions contributed to a significant rise in employment opportunities, although difficulties in finding skilled workers led to a shortage in production capacity.

At the same time, concerns over increasing competition caused a decline in future output expectations. According to the PMI statement, inventories of production inputs remained in good condition, which encouraged some companies to reduce their purchasing efforts.

Growth was strong overall and widespread across all non-oil sectors under study. Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Senior Economist at Riyad Bank, said that the rise in Saudi Arabia's PMI points to a notable acceleration in the growth of the non-oil private sector, primarily driven by increased production and new orders, reflecting the sector’s expansionary activity.

Al-Ghaith added that companies responded to the rise in domestic demand, which plays a crucial role in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The upward trend also indicates improved business confidence, pointing to a healthy environment for increased investment, job creation, and overall economic stability.

He emphasized that this growth in the non-oil sector is particularly important given the current context of reduced oil production and falling global oil prices. With oil revenues under pressure, the strong performance of the non-oil private sector acts as a buffer, helping mitigate the potential impact on the country's economic conditions.

Al-Ghaith continued, noting that diversifying income sources is essential to maintaining growth amid the volatility of oil markets. He explained that increased production levels not only enhance the competitiveness of Saudi companies but also encourage developments aimed at expanding the private sector's participation in the economy.

This shift, he said, provides a more stable foundation for long-term growth, making the economy less susceptible to oil price fluctuations.