Saudi Cabinet OKs new system for agriculture fund to ensure food security

King Salman chairs the weekly Cabinet session at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday. SPA
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Updated 29 August 2023
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Saudi Cabinet OKs new system for agriculture fund to ensure food security

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by King Salman at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday, approved the Agriculture Development Fund bylaw to help boost farming to ensure food security in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, minister of environment, water, and agriculture, who is also chairman of the ADF, expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for approving the amended system of the ADF system, affirming that the Cabinet’s approval embodies the leadership’s keenness to achieve the goals of agricultural development and food security.

He said that the support of the wise leadership to the agricultural sector contributes to its sustainability, maximizing its resources and services by providing many financing products.

The minister said the amendment will help increase the total funding for various agricultural activities.

Al-Fadhli pointed out that the modified system would reflect positively on the performance of the agricultural sector, which is already witnessing impressive growth. He said the development in the sector could be gauged through the fact that financing loans in the sector increased from SR455 million ($121 million) in 2016 to nearly SR7 billion during the current fiscal.

He stressed the amendments will help the Kingdom achieve its food security goals as outlined in Vision 2030.

Al-Fadhli said the ADF will continue to work to achieve its goals and support agricultural activity to contribute to the Kingdom’s economic development.

Saudi farmers will have a chance to elevate their standards of living with the ADF having recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Reef National Foundation, to increase the efficiency and productivity of farmers, rural families, and craftsmen while enhancing their technical as well as productive capabilities through training programs.

Under the terms of the deal, the two parties will also work to implement and operate targeted initiatives and projects to ensure the development and sustainability of the sector.


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.