### Major Orders at Paris Air Show: Riyadh Air and AviLease Expand Their Airbus Fleets During the 2025 Paris Air Show, significant developments in the aviation sector were marked by substantial aircraft orders from Saudi Arabian companies. Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, announced a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options to increase this order to 50 units. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to enhance the country's aviation capabilities and promote tourism. Concurrently, the leasing firm AviLease secured a deal for 40 Airbus jets, including 30 single-aisle models and 10 A350 freighters, further emphasizing the Kingdom's growing ambitions in the aviation market. ### Breakdown of Key Developments 1. **Riyadh Air's Aircraft Order** - Riyadh Air confirmed an order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for an additional 25, totaling a potential order of 50 [https://www.airport-technology.com/news/riyadh-air-airbus-a350-1000]. - This order is part of a broader strategy to establish a premium, sustainable fleet as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 [https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/16/riyadh-air-orders-25-airbus-a350-1000-at-pas-2025]. 2. **AviLease's Fleet Expansion** - AviLease, a Saudi-backed leasing company, placed a firm order for 30 Airbus single-aisle jets and 10 A350 freighters, marking its first direct deal with Airbus [https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saudis-avilease-orders-airbus-single-aisle-jets-freighters-2025-06-16]. - The total order could expand to 77 aircraft, including A320 Neos and A321 Neos, as part of AviLease's strategy to enhance its fleet [https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/aviation/2025/06/16/paris-air-show-saudi-arabian-lessor-avilease-orders-up-to-77-airbus-planes]. 3. **Significance of the Orders** - These orders signify a robust commitment to modernizing the Saudi aviation sector and enhancing its global competitiveness. - The A350-1000 is recognized for its fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities, making it a strategic choice for both passenger and cargo operations [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/riyadh-air-places-order-for-25-airbus-a350-1000-aircraft-13126815.html]. ### Supporting Data and Evidence - **Riyadh Air's Order Details:** - **Aircraft Type:** Airbus A350-1000 - **Initial Order:** 25 units - **Potential Total Order:** 50 units - **Strategic Alignment:** Vision 2030 initiative [https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/16/riyadh-air-orders-25-airbus-a350-1000-at-pas-2025]. - **AviLease's Order Breakdown:** - **Total Aircraft Ordered:** 40 - **Single-Aisle Jets:** 30 - **A350 Freighters:** 10 - **Potential Expansion:** Up to 77 aircraft [https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/saudi-lessor-avilease-orders-40-airbus-jets-eyes-expansion-to-77-aircraft-1.500165252]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Saudi Aviation The recent orders from Riyadh Air and AviLease at the Paris Air Show represent a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. 1. **Riyadh Air's commitment to acquiring up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft** positions it as a key player in the international aviation market, supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. 2. **AviLease's strategic expansion into the air cargo market** with a diverse fleet of Airbus jets underscores the growing demand for modern, efficient aircraft in the region. These developments not only enhance the operational capabilities of these airlines but also contribute to the broader economic objectives of Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish itself as a global aviation hub [https://www.airdatanews.com/airbus-kicks-off-paris-air-show-with-avilease-order-for-a350fs-and-a320neos].