Paris, June 17 - Saudi Arabia-based AviLease, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced a landmark order for 40 Airbus aircraft at the 2025 Paris Air Show. The deal, signed on June 16, 2025, comprises 30 A320neo Family aircraft and 10 A350F freighters, with provisions for a potential future increase to 55 A320neo Family aircraft and 22 A350F freighters. This strategic acquisition marks AviLease’s first direct order with Airbus and underscores its ambition to become a top-tier global aircraft lessor while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to transform the Kingdom into a leading aviation and logistics hub.
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The A320neo Family, which includes a mix of A320neo and A321neo models, is renowned for its fuel efficiency and operational versatility. These single-aisle jets incorporate advanced technologies, such as new-generation engines and Sharklet wingtip devices, delivering up to 20% fuel savings and reduced CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. With a range of up to 3,400 nautical miles and the capacity to carry up to 194 passengers, the A320neo Family is well-suited for short- and medium-haul routes, offering airlines flexibility and enhanced passenger comfort through features like the Airspace cabin design with wider seats and larger overhead bins. AviLease has yet to finalize its engine selection for these aircraft, with executives indicating that a decision will be made after further analysis of lifecycle economics and market demand, ahead of scheduled deliveries between 2030 and 2033.
The A350F freighters, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, represent a cutting-edge addition to AviLease’s portfolio, marking the first Rolls-Royce-powered freighters to operate in Saudi Arabia. Designed for efficiency and sustainability, the A350F features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door and a fuselage optimized for standard pallets and containers. Constructed with over 70% advanced materials, the aircraft is 46 tonnes lighter at takeoff than its closest competitor, offering at least 20% reduced fuel burn, improved loading capacity, and extended range. Notably, the A350F is the only freighter aircraft set to fully comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, effective in 2027, making it a future-proof solution for the growing air cargo market.
This order aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation strategy, which aims to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million and increase cargo throughput to 4.5 million tonnes by 2030. AviLease’s selection of the A350F was informed by close collaboration with local stakeholders to secure delivery slots that support the Kingdom’s expanding air cargo requirements. As of March 31, 2025, AviLease’s portfolio included 200 aircraft leased to 48 airlines across 30 countries, reflecting its rapid growth since its founding in 2022. The addition of these Airbus aircraft enhances AviLease’s ability to offer modern, fuel-efficient fleet solutions to its global customer base, reinforcing its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem and its ambition to rank among the top 10 global lessors. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2030, aligning with the Kingdom’s infrastructure expansion, including the development of Riyadh Air and King Salman International Airport.