The Kickoff of the Paris Air Show Lands Airbus a Billion-Dollar Deal for Over 40 Aircraft from AviLease
Saudi Company Places Billion-Dollar Order for More Than 40 Aircraft from Airbus
The world's largest air and space extravaganza, the Paris Air Show, commenced on Monday in Le Bourget, Paris. European aviation titan Airbus announced the opening salvo of the show: AviLease, a Saudi Arabian leasing firm, sealed a deal for 40 aircraft from Airbus, comprising 30 A320neo passenger planes and 10 A350F freighter aircraft, valued at almost seven billion euros in the manufacturer's catalog. Additional orders have reportedly been inked.
The A320neo family of aircraft boasts several advantageous features, such as aconsumption of 20% less fuel than their predecessors, thanks to state-of-the-art engines and lightweight materials. The A350F, too, boasts at least a 20% fuel efficiency advantage over the previous generation as per the manufacturer [1].
While the catalog prices are from 2018, Airbus has since abandoned this practice. The actual purchase price fluctuates depending on the agreement and equipment and remains undisclosed by the manufacturer [1].
Established in 2022, AviLease owns around 200 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, serving approximately 50 different carriers across the globe.
Traditionally, Le Bourget has been the battleground for the rivalry between aircraft heavyweights Airbus and Boeing. However, Boeing opted to focus on customer support rather than orders this year. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun declined to participate in the show following the fatal plane crash in India. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft carrying 241 people plummeted shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, claiming 38 lives on the ground and leaving a single survivor [2].
Source: ntv.de, AFP
Insights:
- AviLease, a Saudi Arabian aircraft lessor, made history in 2025 by placing a colossal order for Airbus aircraft at the Paris Air Show [3][4][5].
- The order encompassed 40 firm aircraft, including 30 A320neo Family aircraft and 10 A350F freighters [3][4]. Furthermore, it contained options for an additional 12 A350Fs and 25 more A320neo Family aircraft [3][4].
- The deliveries of these aircraft are projected to occur between 2030 and 2033 [3][4], marking AviLease's first direct acquisition from Airbus. This order supports the company's ambitious plans to ascend as a prominent global aircraft lessor [3][4].
[1] ntv.de, AFP[2] ntv.de, AFP[3] FlightGlobal[4] AirlineRatings[5] aviationpros.com
The colossal order placed by AviLease, a global aircraft lessor, during the Paris Air Show in 2025 included not only the adoption of advanced Airbus technology but also a commitment to sustainable practices within their community policy and employment policy. This move aligns with AviLease's aspirations to become a leading sports sponsor, promoting overall well-being and healthy lifestyles amongst their employees.
