Deals Heating Up At Paris Air Show 2025

Saudi Arabia-Based aircraft lessor AviLease announced an initial order for 10 A350F freighter aircraft and 30 A320neo family aircraft, with a potential future increase to 22 A350F freighters and 55 A320neo aircraft. The deal was signed at the Paris Air Show 2025, as deal-making gets underway at the world's largest show for aerospace and defense companies to display their latest and greatest.

Edward O’Byrne, CEO of AviLease said, “We are proud to establish an Airbus order book, strengthening our position as a full-service, investment grade global lessor. 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.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Sales for Airbus. “We are delighted to welcome AviLease as Airbus’ latest customer with this significant order for the all new A350F and leading A320neo Family.”

He added, “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 A320neo incorporates the new generation engines, Sharklets, and cabin efficiency enablers which all contribute to a 20% savings in fuel costs.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with a fuselage length and capacity that are optimized to accommodate standard industry containers and pallets. It is currently the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet the ICAO standards for enhanced CO2 emissions coming into effect in 2027. 

FMI:  www.airbus.com/