The Paris Air Show 2025 commenced with a significant announcement from Airbus, which secured an order from Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease. The initial agreement includes 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo Family aircraft, with plans to expand the order to 22 freighters and 55 single-aisle jets. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2030 and continue through 2033.
AviLease, launched in 2022 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, aims to become a leading aircraft lessor in the Middle East and globally. This deal marks AviLease's first direct order with Airbus following a comprehensive evaluation process involving major airlines and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The widebody portion of the order aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to enhance its position as a regional logistics hub. AviLease chose the A350F over Boeing's 777F after a detailed technical and economic review. According to Airbus, the A350F offers reduced fuel consumption, improved loading capacity, and increased range while meeting ICAO’s upcoming carbon emissions standards.