Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease has placed an order for up to 77 Airbus aircraft.
The order includes an initial purchase for ten A350F freighters and 30 A320neo family aircraft, with the agreement also foresing a future increase to 22 A350F freighters and 55 A320neo family jets.
This order of A320 family includes a mix of A320s and A321s, with no specific long-range variants included.
Announced at the 55th Paris Air Show, the lessor confirmed that no aircraft from the order have yet been placed with airlines, and no decision has been made on the engines that will be used power these planes.
When asked if the company would place the cargo aircraft with carriers in Saudi Arabia, Edward O’Byrne, CEO of AviLease stated that there is a possibility that they would be placed within the country, in order to meet the growing cargo needs of Saudi Arabia.
The lessor also disclosed that it had been in discussions with Boeing for an order of 777 freighter aircraft, before opting for the A350F.
The aircraft will be delivered between 2030 and 2033. Airbus said that it is “confident” that it will be able to deliver the aircraft within this timeline.
This latest order made by AviLease follows a firm order placed with Boeing in May, for the purchase of 20 787 MAX 8 aircraft, with options for an additional ten jets.