In a significant move underscoring the growing demand for next-generation freighter capacity, AviLease, the Saudi Arabia-based aircraft leasing firm, has placed a firm order for 10 Airbus A350 freighters, with purchase rights for an additional 12 units, making it one of the joint-largest owners of the type.
The announcement was made at the Paris Air Show, as part of a broader fleet expansion strategy that also includes 55 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The deal reinforces AviLease’s aggressive growth ambitions as it eyes a position among the top 10 global aircraft lessors.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign Public Investment Fund (PIF), AviLease currently manages a fleet of approximately 200 aircraft. The A350 freighter order represents a strategic pivot toward fuel-efficient, environmentally compliant cargo assets to support both domestic and global airline partners.
“These latest-generation freighters enhance our ability to offer modern, sustainable fleet solutions,” said Edward O’Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of AviLease. “We are anticipating a major retirement wave in the freighter market and are well-positioned to offer carriers a future-ready solution that meets operational, environmental, and economic demands.”
Strategic Bet on Long-Term Cargo Evolution
The A350F, launched in response to increasing demand for fuel-efficient widebody freighters, is poised to become a central player in the future of long-haul cargo transport. With over 70% of its airframe composed of advanced materials (composites, titanium, and modern aluminum alloys), the aircraft offers significantly lower take-off weight, better range, and superior economics compared to current-generation freighters.
“The A350F will set new industry benchmarks, with at least 20% lower fuel burn, increased payload capacity, and full compliance with ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emissions standards,” noted Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President for Sales, Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “This dual order confirms AviLease’s ascent as a next-gen lessor and reflects continued confidence in Airbus’ cargo portfolio.”
Meeting Next-Generation Compliance and Capacity
The A350F’s standout features include the largest main deck cargo door in the industry and a fuselage optimized for standard pallets and containers—designed with efficiency, turnaround speed, and load flexibility in mind.
As older freighters near retirement—particularly aging Boeing 747Fs, MD-11Fs, and 767Fs—lessees and operators are facing increased pressure to transition toward environmentally compliant and cost-effective alternatives. The A350F arrives at a time when shippers and freight forwarders are also pushing for more sustainable supply chains.
Although Airbus has postponed the A350F’s entry into service to H2 2027, industry expectations remain high. Back in 2023, the timeline had already been moved from late 2025 to 2026, reflecting both program development challenges and an evolving demand environment.
Strong Market Uptake Signals Shift
As of May 2025, Airbus has received firm orders for 63 A350 freighters across 10 identified customers. Notable buyers include Etihad Cargo (confirmed for seven aircraft, with reports of three more pending) and Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines, which has also committed to 10 aircraft.
With this latest order, AviLease not only cements its position as a serious player in freighter leasing, but also reinforces the broader trend: cargo fleet modernization is no longer an option—it’s an imperative.
Looking Ahead: A Cargo Leasing Market in Transition
AviLease’s growing freighter portfolio is expected to target both flag carriers and independent cargo operators, as the global air cargo market recalibrates following the pandemic-era boom, ongoing capacity shortages, and the steady rise of e-commerce and pharmaceutical logistics.
The move also fits neatly into Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation and logistics vision under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the country into a global air cargo and logistics hub.
With carriers under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and operate more flexibly, the arrival of a new generation of freighters—paired with agile lessors like AviLease—could define the next decade of air cargo growth.
