In a major announcement that lit up the Paris Air Show 2025, AviLease confirmed a significant order of Airbus A350s and A320neo family aircraft, adding a substantial boost to Airbus’s commercial backlog. The strategic deal underlines the aircraft lessor’s confidence in global air travel recovery and growing demand across key markets.
With this move, AviLease, one of the rapidly emerging players in aircraft leasing, has not only expanded its fleet but also sent a clear message to the aviation industry: growth is back on the radar.
What Was Announced at Paris Air Show 2025?
During the opening hours of the Paris Air Show 2025, AviLease inked a firm order for 30 aircraft, split between 15 Airbus A350 widebody jets and 15 Airbus A320neo narrowbodies.
The deal was officially signed at the Le Bourget venue, with executives from both AviLease and Airbus present.
“This marks a new chapter for AviLease as we aim to meet rising demand while staying committed to modern, fuel-efficient fleets,” said AviLease CEO, Omar Al Madhi.
The Paris Air Show 2025 became the perfect platform to highlight AviLease’s ambitious future and Airbus’s leading market position.
Why the A350 and A320neo?
AviLease’s selection was deliberate. The Airbus A350 is known for its long-haul fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, making it a top choice for global routes. On the other hand, the A320neo is favored for short to medium-haul flights and offers high operational efficiency.
Both aircraft families align with AviLease’s aim to offer eco-friendly, next-generation aircraft to airline customers worldwide.
“Sustainability and versatility were top priorities in our selection process,” added Al Madhi.
Airbus Welcomes a Strategic Partnership
The deal was warmly received by Airbus.
“We are honored to be part of AviLease’s growth journey,” said Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “This order reflects trust in our aircraft and in the future of global aviation.”
With this deal, Airbus further solidifies its market dominance in the narrowbody and widebody segments—a critical win, especially at an event as influential as the Paris Air Show 2025.
About AviLease
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, AviLease is backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Despite being relatively new, the lessor has aggressively expanded and positioned itself as a future giant in global aviation leasing.
Their strategy focuses on:
- A modern and efficient fleet
- Flexible leasing solutions
- Strong sustainability goals
This recent Airbus order complements their earlier efforts to diversify and modernize the fleet while attracting global carriers as long-term clients.
Industry Reactions: A Mixed Bag
While many applauded AviLease’s growth-oriented strategy, others questioned the implications for Boeing, which did not secure a comparable deal with AviLease at the show.
Industry analyst James Rowe remarked:
“The order is a clear win for Airbus, and it leaves Boeing with a strategic gap—especially in widebody interest from Middle Eastern lessors.”
This sentiment echoed across aviation forums and publications, where Boeing’s relative quietness during the first day of the Paris Air Show 2025 raised eyebrows.
Implications for the Aircraft Leasing Market
AviLease’s order is not just about fleet expansion—it’s also a signal of market recovery. As global passenger demand rebounds post-pandemic, leasing companies like AviLease are preparing to meet airline demand quickly and flexibly.
This move:
- Strengthens AviLease’s portfolio for global clients
- Adds pressure on other lessors to modernize
- Gives Airbus a solid pipeline into the next decade
Green Growth: A Win for Sustainable Aviation
Both the A350 and A320neo are designed for reduced carbon emissions and noise footprints. The A320neo, for example, offers up to 20% lower fuel burn, while the A350 is built for long-range sustainability, making them attractive in an eco-conscious era.
“Our decision was driven by environmental responsibility as much as economics,” stated AviLease leadership during the show.
This emphasis on sustainability further aligns AviLease with global aviation goals toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
With the AviLease-Airbus deal signed, the focus now turns to:
- Delivery schedules starting 2026
- Deployment strategies across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
- How Boeing responds in the upcoming days of the Paris Air Show 2025
There is speculation that AviLease might still consider Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner or 737 MAX families for future expansion, but no confirmation has been given.
Meanwhile, Airbus continues its winning streak at Le Bourget, with other potential announcements expected in the coming days.
Final Thoughts
The Paris Air Show 2025 has once again proven to be the world’s key platform for bold announcements, and AviLease’s Airbus order is a headline-grabber. With 30 new aircraft on the way, including A350s and A320s, AviLease is preparing for a decade of growth, sustainability, and global relevance.
This deal is not only a win for Airbus but also a statement by AviLease: the skies are open, the demand is real, and they’re ready for takeoff.
Also Read – 7 Key Reasons Saudi Arabia ITU Council Membership Matters Today
