Saudi Arabia keen to stimulate investments at G20 summit: Al-Falih

Saudi Arabia’s investment minister Khalid Al-Falih highlighted importance of technological transformation and digital infrastructure in progress and prosperity of nations. (File/AFP)
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Updated 09 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia keen to stimulate investments at G20 summit: Al-Falih

  • Saudi Arabia is an important member of the G20 due to its “political and economic influence,” says Al-Falih

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s investment minister said his ministry’s participation in the G20 summit in India “highlights the Kingdom’s interest in stimulating mutual investments” worldwide and “showcasing its unique investment environment,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Khalid Al-Falih added that a “large governmental delegation” is participating in the summit, which takes place on Sept. 9-10.
The delegation is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, “who is spearheading an agenda with international economic and developmental dimensions.”
Saudi Arabia is an important member of the G20 due to its “political and economic influence,” its “ability to impact global economic policymaking,” and “its pivotal role when it comes to ensuring the stability of global energy markets,” Al-Falih said.
He highlighted the importance of technological transformation and digital infrastructure when it comes to the progress and prosperity of nations.
“The Kingdom has secured high rankings in global indicators related to digital transformation, quality of life, and the quality of digital infrastructure,” he said.
“Additionally, it has advanced ranks globally in the field of digital government, and achieved historic results in the e-government development indicator, as it ranked 31st in 2022, which is 12 ranks higher than in 2020.
“The Kingdom also ranked 27th out of 193 states in the 2022 Telecommunications Infrastructure Indicator.
“This was all made possible through the efforts that are being exerted to make the Kingdom a leading model when it comes to the provision of digital services.”
Al-Falih added: “Saudi Arabia ranked sixth in the 2023 Global Competitiveness Index for economic performance, and 13th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking for business efficiency.
“Therefore, the Kingdom became one of the best countries in the world when it comes to global competitiveness strategies.”
Since joining the G20, “the Kingdom has proven itself through effective contributions when it comes to promoting cooperation and working with all member states in order to implement the reforms needed by the global financial system, ensure the stability of financial markets, strengthen control measures, promote risk management measures, apply integrity and transparency standards, support future investment processes and promote partnerships in the field of investment,” he said.
“This stemmed from Saudi Arabia’s keenness to ensure the stability of the global economy and its growth.”


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.