AviLease — a Public Investment Fund (PIF) backed leasing company — placed a firm order with Boeing on May 13, 2025, for the purchase of 20 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with options for an additional ten jets.
In its first direct order with the US manufacturer, AviLease stated that the deal supports the expansion of its aircraft portfolio, while offering customers access to the latest generation of aircraft.
"Building on our recently achieved investment grade ratings, this transaction proves our ability to transact across all market channels, including sale and lease-back, secondary trading, M&A and now direct OEM purchasing,” said Ted O'Byrne, CEO of AviLease.
“The 737 MAX will diversify AviLease's portfolio by delivering unrivalled fuel efficiency and market-leading versatility,” said Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing Brad McMullen. "It's a powerful combination that will fuel AviLease's profitable global expansion and support their airline customers' business and sustainability goals."
AviLease currently has a fleet of 200 owned and managed aircraft and leases to 48 airlines globally.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is among corporate leaders accompanying US President Donald Trump on his Middle East tour, which began in Riyadh on May 13, 2025.
Last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump's trip will "focus on strengthening ties" between the US and the Gulf nations.