Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: AviLease, the global aircraft lessor owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), concluded a strategic agreement with Airbus to order up to 77 aircraft, including up to 55 A320neo Family and 22 A350F aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2033.
The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show 2025 by Edward O’Byrne, CEO of AviLease, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, the company revealed in a press release yesterday.
The signing ceremony was attended by Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and several senior officials from the PIF and AviLease.
This deal will enable AviLease to deliver the newest generation, fuel‑efficient fleet solutions to its global customer base, in both passenger and cargo segments, while contributing to the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem.
Commenting on this milestone, O’Byrne said: “We are proud to establish an Airbus order book, strengthening our position as a full-service, investment-grade global lessor. The addition of these latest-generation aircraft enhances our ability to offer modern, fuel-efficient fleet solutions to our airline partners in Saudi Arabia and around the world.”
For his part, Fahad AlSaif, Chairman of AviLease, emphasized the company’s long-term ambition to become a top 10 global player in aircraft leasing and to strengthen its position as a national champion.
He noted that AviLease signed two major deals in less than two months, aligning with the PIF’s mandate to support the goals of Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy.
The A350F aircraft sets the benchmark in air cargo, offering at least 20% reduced fuel burn, better loading capacity, and increased range. Meanwhile, the A320neo Family continues to be the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft.
“This dual order reinforces AviLease’s credentials as a leading lessor, and it demonstrates the broad appeal of our products among lessors and their airline customers,” Saint-Exupéry said.
Last month, AviLease announced an order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, adding to the existing portfolio of 200 aircraft on lease to 48 airlines globally.