Two Saudi Airlines Place Orders worth $17 Billion

Two airlines headquartered in Saudi Arabia – AviLease and Riyadh Air – placed two orders reportdly worth $17 billion with Airbus Industrie on the first day of the Paris Airshow on Monday.

While, AviLease, the global aircraft lessor, announced an initial order for 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo Family aircraft and foresees a future increase to 22 A350F freighters and 55 A320neo Family aircraft, Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline, sought 25 A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement, which can potentially increase to 50 A350-1000.

AviLease CEO Edward O’ Byrne said that the Airbus order book will strengthen his company’s position as a full-service, investment grade global lessor. The addition of these latest generation aircraft enhances AviLease’s ability to offer modern, fuel-efficient fleet solutions to its airline partners in Saudi Arabia and around the world.

“We thank our local partners and Airbus for the strong long-term partnership we have established and look forward to placing these aircraft across our valued customer base,” he added.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, said that they were delighted to welcome AviLease as the company’s latest customer with this significant order for the all new A350F and leading A320neo Family.

According to him, the A350F will set the benchmark in air cargo, offering at least 20% reduced fuel burn, better loading capacity and increased range, while the A320neo Family continues to be the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft. This dual order reinforces AviLease’s credentials as a leading lessor, and it demonstrates the broad appeal of our products among lessors and their airline customers.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

The A320neo incorporates the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver 20% fuel savings.

Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air will be the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000. It also supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to reach 300 million air passengers annually by the end of the decade, positioning the country as a global aviation and tourism hub.

Riyadh Air’s Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida said that their order marks a significant step forward in building a world-class airline that reflects the ambitions of Vision 2030. The A350-1000 will bring outstanding efficiency and comfort to the airline’s fleet, supporting sustainability goals and enabling Riyadh Air to offer a premium experience while connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.

“It’s a clear signal of our intent to shape the future of air travel and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom’s fast-growing aviation ecosystem,” he added.

“We are proud to extend our strategic partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom. As the long-range leader, the A350-1000 will provide unrivalled efficiency, range and passenger comfort, making it the ideal choice to support the airline’s ambitious growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance global connectivity and economic diversification”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.