Hassana Investment Company (Hassana) and AviLease, a global aircraft lessor and a public investment fund (PIF) company, have formed a strategic partnership to establish a dedicated aircraft leasing joint venture (JV).
The initiative highlights the increasing role of Saudi Arabia’s institutional investors in shaping the future of the aviation sector by financing the expansion of Saudi carrier fleets through long-term capital and sector-focused platforms, in line with the objectives of the Saudi National Aviation Strategy.
Hassana will hold the majority ownership stake in the joint venture, with AviLease serving as the aircraft service provider for the platform. The partnership aims to offer access to the aviation financing asset class for both international and domestic investors, while utilising AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to drive the joint venture’s growth and performance.
As the first transaction under this partnership, the joint venture will acquire a portfolio of ten aircraft from AviLease, which are currently leased to Saudi Arabia-based airlines. The portfolio comprises new-technology, fuel-efficient aircraft, supporting the country’s efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability within its expanding aviation infrastructure.
Hani Aljehani, Acting CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Hassana, commented: “This strategic partnership underscores our commitment to investing in resilient assets that generate sustainable, long-term cash flows supported by strong fundamentals. Through our collaboration with AviLease, we aim to strengthen our exposure to the aviation leasing sector while advancing the Kingdom’s broader aviation aspirations. This initiative is fully aligned with our mandate to pursue compelling investment opportunities that contribute to the achievement of our portfolio objectives.”
Fahad Al-Saif, Chairman of AviLease, commented on the importance of the strategic partnership between AviLease and Hassana Investment Company (Hassana), considering it a significant step that reflects the pivotal role of Saudi investment institutions in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious vision and strengthening the aviation sector.
Edward O’Byrne, CEO, AviLease, added: “Partnering with Hassana reinforces our role as a PIF company delivering long-term value through best-in-class asset management and origination. The proposed joint venture is a foundational step in building a scalable platform that supports the growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem. We look forward to further developing this partnership through future transactions and expanding our footprint in the global aircraft leasing market.”
