Saudi AviLease, Riyadh Air Sign Major Airbus A350 Orders at Paris Airshow

Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease and fast-growing start-up Riyadh Air both secured major Airbus A350 orders on the opening day of the Paris Air Show 2025, marking significant moves for Saudi Arabia’s expanding aviation sector.

AviLease placed its first-ever direct order with Airbus, committing to 22 A350F freighters as part of a larger deal for up to 77 aircraft. The agreement also includes 55 A320neo-family aircraft, covering a mix of A320neos and A321neos. However, the A321XLR was not part of this order, and a final engine selection for the single-aisle jets has yet to be made.

Deliveries are scheduled between 2030 and 2033. This Airbus deal follows AviLease’s previous order for up to 30 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft earlier this year. AviLease was established three years ago as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to develop a global air transport hub under its Vision 2030 plan.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Air announced an order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s, adding to its growing backlog, which now totals 182 aircraft. The agreement includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. All A350-1000s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. Riyadh Air plans to operate a diverse fleet of A350s, Boeing 787s, and Airbus A320neo-family aircraft as it prepares to launch services this year following the approval of its air operator’s certificate.

These deals represent the first major commercial aircraft announcements at Le Bourget 2025, where expectations for new orders were scaled back after the recent Air India 787-8 crash.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Airbus.com, Riyadh Air