AviLease, the global aircraft lessor based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced a significant initial order for ten Airbus A350F freighters, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and 30 A320neo-family aircraft. The agreement, revealed at the 2025 Paris Airshow, includes provisions for a future increase to 22 A350Fs and 55 A320neos, marking a strategic expansion of AviLease’s modern fleet offering.
The deal establishes AviLease’s first Airbus order book, reflecting the company’s ambition to grow as a full-service, investment-grade lessor on the global stage. CEO Edward O’Byrne highlighted the importance of the partnership: “The addition of these latest-generation aircraft enhances our ability to offer modern, fuel-efficient fleet solutions to our 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.”
Airbus also welcomed the deal as a strong endorsement of its aircraft portfolio. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales at Airbus, noted: “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.”
The A350F freighter is designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind. It features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry and an optimised fuselage layout for standard pallets and containers. Constructed with over 70% advanced materials, it is 46 tonnes lighter at take-off than its nearest competitor. Crucially, it is the only freighter that fully complies with ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, which come into effect in 2027.
This order marks a major step forward for AviLease as it builds a cutting-edge, environmentally conscious aircraft portfolio to meet the evolving needs of airlines worldwide.
