Saudi lessor AviLease orders 40 Airbus jets, eyes expansion to 77 aircraft

Paris: Saudi-based global aircraft lessor AviLease placed a significant new aircraft order with Airbus, covering 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo Family aircraft, with the possibility of increasing the total to 22 freighters and 55 single-aisle jets.

The deal was signed at the 2025 Paris Airshow, marking AviLease’s first direct order with Airbus and positioning the company to expand its role as a key provider of next-generation aircraft to airline customers in the Middle East and globally.

“This Airbus order supports our strategy to build a modern, fuel-efficient, and globally relevant fleet,” said AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne. “We are strengthening our offering to airlines by securing aircraft that are in demand across both passenger and cargo markets.”

The order includes:

The A350F freighter is Airbus’ next-generation cargo aircraft, designed with a focus on fuel efficiency, payload optimisation, and compliance with upcoming 2027 ICAO CO₂ emissions standards. It features the industry’s largest main deck cargo door and a lighter composite airframe that results in a 46-tonne weight advantage compared to competing models.

Meanwhile, the A320neo Family remains one of the most in-demand narrow-body aircraft globally, incorporating fuel-saving technologies such as new-generation engines, Sharklets, and cabin efficiency upgrades, delivering up to 20% lower fuel consumption.

Founded in Saudi Arabia, AviLease is a full-service, investment-grade lessor, aiming to serve both regional and international carriers with a focus on fleet modernisation and sustainability.

This deal not only expands AviLease’s global leasing capabilities but also strengthens its positioning in the growing cargo market — especially as demand for fuel-efficient freighter aircraft rises in response to global trade shifts and new environmental regulations.

Airbus welcomed AviLease as a new customer, calling the dual-order a strong signal of confidence in its commercial aircraft lineup.

“The A350F will set new standards in air cargo, while the A320neo Family continues to lead in passenger operations,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales. “This order showcases AviLease’s growing influence as a major aircraft lessor.”

The agreement underlines the continued interest from leasing firms in securing long-term access to modern, efficient aircraft as airline customers face rising fuel costs and tightening emissions rules.