Le Bourget, France — AviLease, a Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned aircraft lessor, has announced an agreement with Airbus to acquire up to 77 aircraft. The AviLease Airbus aircraft order includes 55 A320neo Family narrow-bodies and 22 A350F freighters. The deal was revealed during the opening day of the 2025 Paris Air Show.
This order builds on AviLease’s growing momentum. It supports the Kingdom’s ambitions under its Vision 2030 Saudi aviation strategy. Deliveries will extend through 2033. They will expand AviLease’s fleet with high-efficiency aircraft that address global passenger and cargo demand.
The signing ceremony featured AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne and Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, joined by key Saudi officials and PIF representatives.
AviLease expansion plans drive global leasing growth.
This agreement follows AviLease’s recent order of 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets and reflects its pursuit of a top-10 global lessor position. Chairman Fahad AlSaif emphasized that this order reinforces AviLease’s role as a national aviation champion.
CEO Edward O’Byrne described the Airbus deal as pivotal. It establishes AviLease’s Airbus portfolio and enhances its full-service leasing capabilities. The inclusion of A350F freighters was coordinated with Saudi stakeholders to align with the Kingdom’s growing air cargo needs.
With 200 aircraft leased to 48 airlines worldwide as of March 2025, AviLease is leveraging rapid fleet acquisitions to grow in high-demand markets and extend Saudi Arabia’s aviation footprint globally.
AviLease Airbus aircraft orders support A350F and A320neo demand.
The Airbus A350F freighter offers a 20% reduction in fuel burn, expanded range, and optimized cargo capacity. These features are expected to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position in international air freight while also supporting climate and sustainability objectives.
Meanwhile, the A320neo Family aircraft remains the world’s most popular narrow-body jet. Airbus EVP Benoît de Saint-Exupéry noted its high efficiency and performance for single-aisle operations. AviLease’s large A320neo intake positions it well for global leasing success in fast-growing regions.
These aircraft types cater to different segments of the aviation market, providing AviLease with a balanced growth profile across both passenger and cargo sectors.
Saudi Standard’s View: Leasing as Aviation Infrastructure
AviLease’s order of 77 Airbus aircraft is more than a procurement—it is a strategic move to establish Saudi Arabia as a foundational player in global aviation finance. As a lessor backed by the Public Investment Fund, AviLease operates at the intersection of industrial policy and market economics.
By acquiring both A320neo and A350F aircraft, the company positions itself to meet demand across passenger and cargo sectors. More importantly, it asserts the Kingdom’s intent to participate in the aircraft leasing ecosystem. This ecosystem is an essential but often opaque pillar of international air transport.
Aircraft leasing is not merely a commercial transaction; it is infrastructure. The scale and structure of AviLease’s order suggest a long-term strategy to shape global supply chains. Moreover, it strengthens air cargo capacity and offers leasing options that align with Vision 2030’s connectivity goals.
If Saudi Arabia is to be more than a destination—if it aims to be a hub—it must control not just gates and runways but also the assets that move between them. AviLease’s deal with Airbus is a step toward that control.
