Saudi Leasing Firm Orders 77 Airbus Jets in Paris Debut

‍PARIS —Saudi Arabia’s AviLease has kicked off the order tally count at the 2025 Paris Air Show with the announcement of an order for 77 Airbus aircraft. The deal marks a new chapter for the Riyadh-based aircraft leasing company, an entrant in the global aircraft leasing market.

The deal includes 22 Airbus A350 freighters and 55 A320neo-family aircraft, and represents AviLease’s first direct order from a manufacturer—a major milestone in the company’s evolution.

“This is a joyful moment for us and a proud day for Saudi Arabia,” said AviLease CEO Ted O’Byrne at the event. “In just three years, we've built a global leasing platform with 200 aircraft and placed them with over 50 airlines in 30 countries. Today, we take our next step forward—with Airbus, and for Vision 2030.”

A Strategic Bet on Growth

Founded in 2022 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), AviLease is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s ambition to create a top-10 global aircraft leasing business. In just three years, the company has raised over US$6 billion in capital, acquired Standard Chartered’s leasing portfolio, and earned strong credit ratings (A2 from Moody’s and BBB flat from Fitch).

Notably, AviLease has not yet selected an engine option for the A320neo family aircraft. The decision, executives say, will come after further analysis of lifecycle economics and airline demand.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Logistics & Cargo Ambitions

The freighter order comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in becoming a logistics superhub, aiming to more than double its cargo capacity under its Vision 2030 plan. As part of the national aviation strategy, the Kingdom is targeting 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo annually, a sharp rise from today’s levels.

“The [Airbus] A350F was a close decision—we weighed it against the [Boeing] 777XF—but from a technical and economic standpoint, Airbus came out on top,” said O’Byrne. “There’s a massive need for modern freighters, both globally and within the Kingdom.”

Global Reach, Local Impact

While AviLease is based in Riyadh, its business is global. Its leasing portfolio spans airlines in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. But its Saudi roots remain central to its mission.

“The most exciting part of my job,” said O’Byrne, “is mentoring the next generation of Saudi aviation professionals. We’re not just building a global business—we’re building a Saudi-led global business.”

AviLease is also working with regulators, educators, and industry partners to develop a modern aviation ecosystem in the Kingdom—training programs, local maintenance capacity, and policy frameworks to attract capital and talent.

Delivery Timeline & Future Growth

The aircraft deliveries are scheduled between 2030 and 2033, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader infrastructure expansion plans, including the development of Riyadh Air, King Salman International Airport, and multiple cargo and passenger terminals across the country.

According to IATA, Saudi Arabia’s aviation market is one of the fastest-growing globally, with passenger demand expected to triple by 2040. Vision 2030 aims to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub, targeting 330 million passengers per year by the end of the decade—more than three times the current levels.

As the first deal announced at the 2025 Paris Air Show, AviLease’s order solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the aerospace sector—and reinforces its ambition to become a major player in the industry.

Stay tuned for Airways' #PAS2025 coverage, bringing you the latest developments live from Paris this week.