Sailors taxi an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 12, 2025. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Franklyn M. Guage)

A Sailor directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 12, 2025. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Franklyn M. Guage)

A U.S. Pennsylvania Air National Guard KC-135 Statotanker aircraft from the 171st Air Refueling Wing out of Pittsburgh provides fuel for U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles, from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 9, 2025. The air refueling mission was part of routine proficiency training. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Master Sgt. George Perkins)


RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AviLease, a global aircraft lessor headquartered in Saudi Arabia, announced the lessor has placed its first direct order for Boeing airplanes with a firm purchase for 20 737-8 jets and options for 10 more.

The deal enables AviLease to scale up its growing portfolio and provides its customers with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.

"We are pleased to conclude our first direct Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) order, complementing our growth strategy towards being at the top of the industry," said Edward O'Byrne, CEO of AviLease. "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. These new aircraft will accelerate our growth and enable us to deliver the industry's latest generation, fuel–efficient fleet solutions. We extend our gratitude to the Boeing team for the strong long-term relationship we have built."

The single-aisle order aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. The airplanes will support the country's goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

"We are honored to strengthen our relationship with a key Saudi Arabian commercial aviation partner and expand the global 737 MAX fleet," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "The 737 MAX will diversify AviLease's portfolio by delivering unrivalled fuel efficiency and market-leading versatility. It's a powerful combination that will fuel AviLease's profitable global expansion and support their airline customers' business and sustainability goals."

The Boeing 737, with a large global customer base and low operating costs, is a cornerstone of the leasing industry, representing approximately 30% of all financed airplanes.

Four Typhoon FGR4 arrive in Estonia.
Typhoons from Operation Chessman have arrived in Estonia ahead of their national Defence Exercise, Hedgehog 25, lead by Estonian Defence forces.
They will provide Air Land integration, working alongside allied ground forces.
(Photos courtesy of the RAF)