Saudi Arabia to raise $800m from privatization of two flour mills

Saudi Arabia is accelerating plans to privatize key infrastructure in an effort to modernize the economy. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 22 April 2021
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Saudi Arabia to raise $800m from privatization of two flour mills

  • The National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) said it completed the sale of the two mills (MC2 and MC4) to private sector investors

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is set to generate nearly SR3 billion ($800 million) in proceeds from the privatization of two flour mills.

The National Center for Privatization and PPP (NCP) and the Saudi Grains Organization announced on Wednesday that privatization had been completed for two state-owned milling companies as part of a bidding process that ended on April 19.

The Second Milling Company was awarded to a consortium of Abdul Aziz Al-Ajlan Sons for Commercial and Real Estate Investments Company, Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al-Rajhi International Company, National Agricultural Development Company and Olam International Limited. This consortium submitted a bid totaling SR2.138 billion.

The Fourth Milling Company was awarded to a consortium consisting of Allana International, Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets and United Feed Manufacturing Company, following a bid totaling SR859 million.

Saudi Arabia is considered one of the biggest markets for flour in the Middle East and North Africa. The first phase of the sector’s privatization process was completed last December, with the First and Third Milling Companies being transferred to winning investors for a total of SR5.7 billion.

The full privatization of the flour milling sector comes in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic mandate to increase private sector investment and diversify the economy away from a dependence on oil. The bidding for the privatization of the flour milling companies was launched in July 2019.

Last month, the Saudi Cabinet announced plans to privatize 16 key industries. “We are working with all the sectors targeted for privatization. Several projects have been recently selected and launched in … health, education, transport, municipalities, environment, water and agriculture, and human resources and social development,” Hani Al-Saigh, director-general of strategic communication and marketing at the NCP, told Arab News.

In January, the NCP announced it had raised SR3 billion in revenue from the sale of state assets in 2020 and aimed to make approximately SR15 billion or more in 2021.


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

Updated 27 February 2026
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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.