Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry inaugurated the first Saudi maritime forum as well as an exhibition in Dammam on Tuesday
It was organized by the General Ports Authority and the Ministry of Transport.
The two-day conference-led event, taking place at the Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers, attracted up to 200 delegates.
Among the participants offering first-hand business intelligence are some of the Kingdom’s foremost stakeholders, decision makers, investors, trade specialists and economists.
Al-Seraisry announced that a new station will be opened at Dammam port after three months, which will help to double the size of the port and its capacity.
He said that many different projects were taking place at the Saudi ports.
He said significant steps were being taken to nationalize jobs at Dammam ports by preparing Saudi nationals for successful careers in marine fields at the academy.
The General Ports Authority always sends its employees and specialists as well as expertise to different training centers in Arab countries or overseas.
Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, chairman of Saudi Ports Authority, said there are 10 ports in the Kingdom and seven for trade ports and three for industries.
There are 214 piers in the Kingdom with capacities exceeding 530 million tons of goods. There are also 13 million containers.
Al-Tuwaijri said: “The whole world is passing through a period of rapid growth in international trade movements. However, efforts are being taken to introduce regulations and legislation to regulate the trade relations between the countries in order to access products and consumers anywhere in the world with reasonable prices.”
The forum will discuss 20 papers during five days and five main lectures will be part of daily programs. The forum has attracted officials from the Eastern Province and people who are specialized in the field of maritime including international and national companies.
The exhibition also includes 29 local and international companies, which are promoting different technologies and latest products in related fields.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing exponential growth in its ports and shipping sectors with a number of mega land and sea projects.
The event promotes internal and foreign direct investment and supports job creation initiatives for Saudi nationals.
Saudi ports keen to promote local talent
Saudi ports keen to promote local talent
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.
