Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air and AviLease, a Kingdom-based aircraft leasing company, signed the first aircraft leasing agreement between the two sides, covering the lease of a Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner.
Under the agreement, AviLease becomes the first lessor to work with the newest Saudi airline, with the aircraft to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025, a step that paves the way for the start of Riyadh Air's commercial operations, according to a press release published on the Riyadh Air website.
The Boeing B787-9 is one of the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft. The agreement reflects AviLease's commitment to expanding its portfolio of modern aircraft and supporting Riyadh Air's strategy to build a modern and efficient fleet that contributes to achieving the Kingdom's goals of developing a world-class aviation ecosystem.
Edward O'Byrne, CEO of AviLease, explained that the agreement represents an important milestone in the company's journey, affirming that Riyadh Air's choice of AviLease as its first leasing partner reflects confidence in its capabilities and strengthens its role as a strategic enabler of the Saudi aviation sector.
For his part, Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, explained that completing the first aircraft leasing agreement with AviLease is part of the company's efforts to build a modern, fuel-efficient fleet in preparation for its commercial launch, noting that the Boeing B787-9 will play a key role in delivering a world-class travel experience.
AviLease continues to expand its operating portfolio with a focus on modern, in-demand aircraft such as the Boeing B787-9. As of the third quarter of 2025, the company's portfolio stood at about 192 owned and managed aircraft, leased to 48 airlines in 29 countries.
The agreement reflects the growing role of Saudi leasing companies in supporting the national aviation ecosystem, as the cooperation combines Riyadh Air's global ambitions with AviLease's expertise in fleet management, strengthening the Kingdom's position as a global hub for the aviation industry in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
To view the post on the Riyadh Air website, click here.
