SINGAPORE: American business leaders do not think the US midterm elections will significantly affect what yhey have identified as the number one issue — the trade war between America and China — at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore.
Gary Cohn, former Goldman Sachs banker and chief economic adviser to President Trump, said: “I wish I could sit here and say that after the mid-term elections the White House will understand that they want to solve the trade issue, but I do not think there is an instant cure. I think the Chinese want to solve the trade issue.”
David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group investment firm, said it was unlikely that “Trump will now seek some resolution of the China trade skirmish.”
But he added that fact the House of Representatives and the State are now controlled by different parties was not necessarily a bad thing for business.
“The US economy has done pretty well in recent times, over the past 30 years or so, when the Congress has been split in control, so you should not assume he economy will go south.
“When you have Houses controlled by different parties they have to compromise to some extent to get anything done, and this tends to be positive,” he added.
Michael Bloomberg the founder of the information and media group who financially back the Democrats against Trump’s Republicans in some key states, said that the “chaos” In Washington would continue after the mid term elections.
“There will probably be more investigations but no progress. I’m a cynic. It’s all done for show by this administration. Fo example, on the North American Free Trade Agreement, we got tough with the Canadians and with the Mexicans, and thence just renamed NAFTA. Everything is a soundbite, it’s all done for the TV cameras,” he said.
There was speculation at the forum that Bloomberg might announce he was seeking the Democratic nomination for the presidential election of 2020, but there was no public statement from him.
One Bloomberg insider said that the narrowness of the mid-term result — with the Republicans actually increasing their Senate majority despite losing the House, might have persuaded Bloomberg to back off a presidential bid.
Forum sees no instant cure for US-China trade war after mid-term elections
Forum sees no instant cure for US-China trade war after mid-term elections
- Rubenstein says 'unlikely' Trump to seek trade spat resolution
- Trade war continues to be major factor facing economy
PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.
According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries.
The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.
AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.
AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.
Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”
He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”
Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.
AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance.
Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.
