Saudi leasing company AviLease has made its first direct purchase from Airbus, ordering 30 single-aisle jets and 10 A350 freighters. This move, announced at the Paris Airshow, signals Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in aviation.
AviLease, part of the Public Investment Fund, also secured options that could raise its total order to 77 aircraft. The company’s CEO highlighted the significant growth potential in Saudi aviation, driven by plans to expand cargo and logistics capacity.
Riyadh Air, another PIF-backed airline, placed an order for 25 A350-1000s at the event. These deals reflect a shift in supplier balance, following previous large purchases of Boeing jets by Gulf carriers.
The surge in aircraft orders aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy and strengthening the private sector. AviLease, which currently manages 200 aircraft and recently acquired Standard Chartered’s jet leasing business, plans to expand its balance sheet significantly by 2030 through further acquisitions and fleet growth.