Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian carrier backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has placed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a critical step in building its long-haul, full-service fleet. The agreement includes the option to increase the order to 50 aircraft, showcasing the airline’s ambitious growth trajectory.
ANA Holdings, parent company of All Nippon Airways, has confirmed a large-scale aircraft acquisition agreement with Boeing, solidifying plans to modernize and expand its fleet. The firm order includes 23 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and options for up to 22 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, reinforcing the carrier’s long-term growth and sustainability strategy.
Investec Aviation Finance, based in the United Kingdom, has finalized a senior-term loan facility with Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF), headquartered in the United States, to support the acquisition of a Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The aircraft, bearing manufacturer serial number 1104, was acquired by AELF from Avolon, the global leasing company based in Ireland.
Boeing has completed the delivery of a new B787-9 Dreamliner to Juneyao Air of China, signifying a notable development in commercial aircraft deliveries amid a period of improving trade relations between the United States and China. The aircraft bears manufacturer serial number 65433, marking a continued expansion of Juneyao Air’s widebody fleet.
Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund, is expected to announce a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft during the upcoming Paris Airshow. The move marks a significant step in the airline’s high-profile fleet acquisition strategy ahead of its planned launch.
Avation, a Singapore-based aircraft leasing company, has entered into an agreement to sell a Boeing 777-300ER that is currently on lease to Philippine Airlines. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, representing a significant divestment from its widebody portfolio.
Arkia, an Israeli leisure-focused carrier, has announced plans to wet lease one A330-200 from GullivAir, a Bulgarian airline, for use during the summer 2025 season. This move allows Arkia to temporarily expand its widebody capacity in response to heightened seasonal demand.
Air India is embarking on an extensive fleet retrofit and upgrade program to address supply chain challenges and enhance the lifespan of its aircraft. The carrier has begun retrofitting 13 A321s and is preparing to upgrade its B787-8 aircraft starting in July 2025.
Airbus is intensifying its efforts to secure new aircraft orders as it looks ahead to the Paris Air Show scheduled for mid-June 2025. The European aerospace giant is focusing on winning commitments for its A350 widebody aircraft, targeting key Gulf carriers Riyadh Air from Saudi Arabia and Etihad from the United Arab Emirates.
EgyptAir, the flag carrier of Egypt, has signed a new purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire ten A350-900 aircraft, marking a significant step in the airline’s long-haul fleet modernization strategy. This order will expand EgyptAir’s current fleet of around 70 aircraft and represents a decisive move toward enhancing its widebody capabilities.
