Saudi AviLease inks record Airbus deal at Paris Air Show
Arabian Post Staff
A pivotal moment unfolded on the opening day of the Paris Air Show as Saudi-based aircraft lessor AviLease confirmed a major five-year supply pact with Airbus. The agreement comprises 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo family aircraft, with options enabling expansion to 22 freighters and 55 single‑aisle jets—a potential total of 77 planes. This marks AviLease's inaugural direct procurement from Airbus, signalling a strategic pivot in its procurement framework.
Edward O'Byrne, AviLease's CEO, underscored the importance of the Airbus partnership in bolstering the company's credentials as a full‑service global lessor. He emphasised that modern, fuel‑efficient delivery options meet growing airline demand both in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
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Airbus Executive VP Benoît de Saint‑Exupéry described the dual order as reaffirming confidence in the A350F's unrivalled cargo capabilities—particularly its 20% fuel reduction and expansive cargo volume—and the A320neo's global popularity as a workhorse single‑aisle jet.
Deliveries are slated to begin in 2030 and continue through to 2033, giving AviLease a multi-year runway to deploy next‑generation jets across its expanding network of airline clients.
This agreement sits at the core of Saudi Arabia's broader aviation ambitions under Vision 2030. AviLease—established in 2022 and now managing around 200 aircraft leased to more than 50 airlines—has secured roughly US$6 billion in capital to underpin its ascent into the world's top ten leasing companies.
AviLease has previously pursued multiple procurement strategies, including sale‑and‑leasebacks, acquisition of portfolios, partnerships, and recent indirect orders with Boeing. The Airbus deal introduces a 'fourth prong' in its acquisition model: speculative direct purchase, O'Byrne confirmed.
The A350F, optimised for modern global logistics, features the largest main‑deck cargo door in its class, modular design and advanced composites reducing take‑off weight by 46 tonnes compared with rival derivatives. It will be fully compliant with ICAO's stringent CO₂ emissions standards coming into force in 2027.
Meanwhile, the A320neo family continues to lead the single‑aisle market, delivering up to 20% better fuel performance per seat via new engines, sharklets and cabin optimisation— sustaining its position as Airbus's most ordered aircraft series.
Saudi Arabia's national aviation strategy aims to eclipse established regional hubs by scaling cargo volumes and strengthening logistics infrastructure. The freighter order aligns with this trajectory, as Riyadh pushes to double cargo throughput and capitalise on cross‑continental trade flows.
In parallel, state‑backed startup Riyadh Air is reportedly expected to finalise an order for 25 A350‑1000 aircraft during the event, with options for additional units—continuing the momentum of Saudi engagement with Airbus this week.
The Paris Air Show has been tempered by the recent tragedy of an Air India 787 crash, which took more than 240 lives, as well as geopolitical tensions, prompting some exhibitors—like Boeing—to scale back their presence. Despite this subdued climate, Airbus and its partners came forward with strong announcements.
Saudi Arabia's AviLease agreement underscores the kingdom's rapid climb in aviation leasing—a sector traditionally led by European and US players. It highlights the country's appetite to blend modern fleet composition with environmental responsibility and to carve a central role in the global aviation ecosystem.
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