46% in Saudi Arabia intend to travel overseas in 2021: survey

Nearly half of those surveyed in a recent poll in Saudi Arabia said they intend to travel internationally in 2021. (Arabian Travel Market)
Short Url
Updated 15 December 2020
Follow

46% in Saudi Arabia intend to travel overseas in 2021: survey

  • International travel in Saudi Arabia set to reopen from Jan. 1

DUBAI: Nearly half of those surveyed in a recent poll in Saudi Arabia said they intend to travel internationally in 2021.

The “Global Holiday Intent” survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions – organizer of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) exhibition in Dubai – found that 48 percent of those surveyed in the UAE and 46 percent of those in Saudi Arabia said they intend to travel internationally once restrictions are lifted in 2021.

The poll was conducted during October and November 2020, before the announcement of breakthroughs in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

“Nearly half of those polled confirmed that they intended to travel in 2021, and once vaccines have been rolled out around the world those numbers can only increase,” said Danielle Curtis, exhibition director at ATM.

“In terms of outbound travel, many expatriates will be looking for a relaxing holiday or hoping to travel home to see family and friends,” she added.

“In terms of inbound travel, it was welcome news that almost a third of Germans polled said they intended to travel internationally. Germany is one of the largest European feeder markets to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), with 1.8 million overnight stays in 2018. Indeed, over 316,000 Germans visited Dubai between January and June 2019.”

All flights into, out of and within Saudi Arabia were grounded in March this year as part of policies to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Kingdom.

While international flights will not fully resume until January 2021, domestic flights restarted at the end of May.

The ATM exhibition will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on May 16-19, 2021.


PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

Updated 27 February 2026
Follow

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.