Commercial Aviation
Rolls-Royce Powers Etihad Fleet Expansion and Partners with AviLease
Rolls-Royce secures Etihad fleet deal and expands LessorCare+ program with AviLease, boosting durability and leasing support in the Middle East.
On November 18, 2025, amidst the industry activity at the Dubai Airshow, we observed two significant announcements from Rolls-Royce that underscore a strategic deepening of its presence in the Middle East aviation sector. The British engineering giant confirmed a comprehensive agreement to power a substantial expansion of Etihad Airways’ widebody fleet. Simultaneously, the company announced the signing of AviLease as the second customer for its newly enhanced service offering, LessorCare+.
These developments arrive at a critical juncture for the aerospace industry, particularly within the Middle East region, where fleet modernization and operational efficiency are paramount. The agreements align with Etihad’s “Journey 2030” growth strategy and signal a shift in how original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) interact with the aircraft leasing market. By securing these Contracts, Rolls-Royce is not only reinforcing its order book but also committing to substantial technical improvements designed to handle the specific environmental challenges of the region.
We view these announcements as a dual-pronged approach: strengthening direct airline Partnerships through hardware delivery and performance guarantees, while simultaneously fortifying relationships with the financial institutions that increasingly own the world’s Commercial-Aircraft assets. The following sections detail the specifics of the fleet expansion and the strategic implications of the new service agreements.
The core of the recent announcement involves Etihad Airways selecting Rolls-Royce engines for a diverse range of Airbus widebody aircraft. This agreement covers a total of 32 new aircraft, split between passenger and freighter models. Specifically, Etihad is adding 15 Airbus A330neo (A330-900) aircraft to its fleet. This acquisition is structured as a mix of direct purchasing and leasing, with a firm order for six aircraft and an agreement to lease nine others through Avolon. These aircraft will be powered by the Trent 7000 engine.
In addition to the A330neos, the agreement includes significant commitments for the Airbus A350 family. Etihad has ordered seven A350-1000 passenger aircraft and ten A350F freighters. Both variants will be powered by the Trent XWB-97 engine. This selection highlights the airline’s reliance on the Trent family to support its long-haul and cargo operations. The inclusion of the freighter variant is particularly notable, as it points to a strategic emphasis on cargo capacity within Etihad’s broader operational goals for the coming decade.
A critical component of this partnership is the focus on engine durability in harsh climates. Operating in the Middle East presents unique challenges due to high temperatures and sandy environments, which have historically impacted engine “time on wing”, the duration an engine can operate before requiring major maintenance. To address this, Rolls-Royce has committed to a £1 billion investment program across the Trent engine family. This investment is specifically aimed at enhancing durability and performance in these demanding conditions.
“We’re excited to continue our long-term partnership with Etihad, driven by confidence in the Trent XWB-97, where our investment will double time on wing in Middle East environments from 2028.”, Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce.
Beyond the direct airline orders, we see a significant strategic pivot in how Rolls-Royce supports the aircraft leasing sector. Following the launch of “LessorCare+” in October 2025 with launch customer Avolon, Rolls-Royce has now signed AviLease as the second customer for this program. AviLease, a rapidly growing lessor based in Riyadh and backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), represents a key player in the regional market.
LessorCare+ is an evolution of the original LessorCare service introduced in 2017. It is designed to offer a single, comprehensive agreement that covers all Rolls-Royce engine types within a lessor’s portfolio. For a company like AviLease, this program offers enhanced visibility into asset holdings and engine health. One of the primary friction points in the leasing industry is the transition of aircraft between different operators. LessorCare+ aims to mitigate this by providing direct access to technical records and support services, thereby streamlining the transition process and protecting the asset’s value and liquidity. The adoption of this program by a major Saudi-based lessor validates the industry’s demand for more integrated support mechanisms. As lessors now own approximately half of the world’s commercial aircraft, OEMs must adapt their service models to cater to these financial owners, not just the operators. This agreement ensures that AviLease has the technical backing required to manage its growing fleet efficiently, reducing administrative burdens and technical risks associated with engine ownership.
The commitments made at the Dubai Airshow 2025 reflect a broader industry trend where performance guarantees are as critical as the hardware itself. The “time on wing” battle is a central theme in the widebody market, particularly in the Middle East. Rolls-Royce’s projection to double the time on wing for the Trent XWB-97 in this region by 2028 is a bold target. It suggests a high degree of confidence in the engineering upgrades currently being developed. Furthermore, the Trent 7000 is expected to see a 30% improvement in durability by 2026, building on recent enhancement packages that have already tripled time on wing in certain operational contexts.
From a manufacturing perspective, these deals provide a tangible boost to the UK aerospace sector. The Trent 7000 and Trent XWB engines are assembled and tested in Derby, UK. The continued demand for these engines secures high-value manufacturing jobs and reinforces the UK’s position in the global aerospace supply chain. The alignment of these manufacturing capabilities with the operational needs of Middle Eastern carriers creates a robust commercial bridge between the two regions.
Looking ahead, we anticipate that the success of these agreements will hinge on the delivery of the promised durability improvements. If Rolls-Royce meets its 2026 and 2028 targets, it will likely solidify its position against competitors like GE Aerospace in the widebody segment. The expansion of LessorCare+ also suggests that future aftermarket services will increasingly be tailored to the needs of the leasing community, potentially leading to new standards in how engine lifecycle data is shared and managed across the industry.
In summary, the announcements from the Dubai Airshow 2025 mark a significant consolidation of Rolls-Royce’s market position in the Middle East. The agreement with Etihad Airways secures a long-term presence on a modern, expanding fleet, while the partnership with AviLease demonstrates an ability to adapt to the financial realities of the modern aviation market. The £1 billion Investments in durability upgrades serves as the technological backbone for these commercial successes.
As the industry moves toward 2030, the focus will remain on the execution of these durability targets. The ability to operate efficiently in “hot and sandy” environments is no longer just a technical specification but a commercial imperative. We will continue to monitor the rollout of the Trent engine upgrades and the expansion of the LessorCare+ program as indicators of the company’s trajectory in the civil aerospace sector.
Question: What specific aircraft are included in the Etihad fleet expansion? Question: What is the objective of the £1 billion investment mentioned by Rolls-Royce? Question: What is LessorCare+?
Rolls-Royce Expands Middle East Footprint with Major Etihad Deal and AviLease Partnership
Powering Etihad’s Fleet Expansion
Enhancing Asset Management with AviLease
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: The expansion includes 15 Airbus A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, 7 Airbus A350-1000 passenger aircraft, and 10 Airbus A350F freighters.
Answer: The investment is directed toward the Trent engine family to improve durability and performance, specifically aiming to double the “time on wing” for the Trent XWB-97 in Middle East environments by 2028.
Answer: LessorCare+ is an enhanced service program for aircraft lessors that provides a single agreement for all Rolls-Royce engine types, offering better fleet visibility, technical support, and assistance with transitioning aircraft between operators.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BOC Aviation Renews $3.5B Credit Facility with Bank of China to 2031
BOC Aviation extends its $3.5 billion revolving credit facility with Bank of China to 2031, securing liquidity for aircraft investments and growth.
This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.
BOC Aviation Limited has officially announced the renewal of its US$3.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF) with its majority shareholder, the Bank of China. Confirmed on February 16, 2026, the transaction extends the maturity of the facility to February 13, 2031, providing the Singapore-based lessor with a five-year horizon of secured liquidity.
The renewal maintains the facility’s total value at the same level established during its 2020 expansion. According to the company, this move is designed to bolster financial flexibility and ensure consistent access to capital for aircraft investments, regardless of broader market cycles. The agreement underscores the continued financial backing BOC Aviation receives from its parent company, a critical differentiator in the competitive aircraft leasing sector.
The renewed agreement is an unsecured revolving credit facility, a structure that allows BOC Aviation to draw down, repay, and re-borrow funds as needed up to the US$3.5 billion limit. By extending the maturity date to 2031, the lessor secures a long-term funding runway to support its growth strategy.
Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, emphasized the strategic importance of this renewal in a statement released by the company. He highlighted the alignment between the lessor and its parent organization.
“This RCF extension reflects the confidence that Bank of China has in the future of our business and underscores the depth of our relationship with our major shareholder. The facility strengthens our financial flexibility and ensures our access to ample liquidity to support our aircraft investments across the cycle.”
, Steven Townend, CEO of BOC Aviation
The credit facility has grown significantly alongside BOC Aviation’s fleet over the last two decades. The company provided a timeline of the facility’s evolution, illustrating the increasing scale of support from the Bank of China:
This liquidity event occurs against a backdrop of significant operational activity for the lessor. As of December 31, 2025, BOC Aviation reported a total portfolio of 815 aircraft and engines, including owned, managed, and ordered assets. The company’s reach extends to 87 airlines across 46 countries and regions.
Data released regarding the full year 2025 indicates robust activity, with the company taking delivery of 51 new aircraft and executing a record 333 transactions. These transactions included 160 aircraft purchase commitments, signaling an aggressive growth posture that necessitates substantial available capital. In addition to the RCF renewal, BOC Aviation has recently moved to diversify its funding sources. In early February 2026, the company successfully priced US$500 million in senior unsecured notes. The combination of these notes and the renewed RCF provides a multi-layered capital structure to fund future acquisitions.
The renewal of this facility highlights a structural advantage for BOC Aviation compared to independent lessors. In a high-interest-rate environment or during periods of market volatility, the cost of funds is a primary determinant of a lessor’s profitability. The direct backing of a major state-owned bank allows BOC Aviation to secure large-scale liquidity that might be more expensive or difficult to arrange for competitors without similar parentage.
Furthermore, with supply chain constraints continuing to affect Airbus and Boeing deliveries in 2026, lessors with ready cash are better positioned to execute sale-and-leaseback (SLB) transactions with airlines desperate for liquidity. By locking in US$3.5 billion in revolving credit through 2031, BOC Aviation is effectively positioning itself to act as a liquidity provider to the airline industry, potentially acquiring assets at attractive valuations while manufacturers struggle to meet delivery targets.
BOC Aviation Secures US$3.5 Billion Facility Renewal with Bank of China
Transaction Details and Management Commentary
Historical Evolution of the Facility
Operational Context and Financial Position
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: BOC Aviation
Commercial Aviation
American Airlines Named Official Airline of Women in Aviation 2026 Conference
American Airlines becomes the first Official Airline of the 2026 Women in Aviation International conference, funding scholarships and sponsoring key events.
This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.
As American Airlines prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026, the carrier has announced a historic partnership with Women in Aviation International (WAI). According to an official announcement from the company, American Airlines has been named the first-ever “Official Airline” of the WAI annual conference.
The 37th Annual WAI Conference is scheduled to take place from March 19–21, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The location is strategically significant, situated near the airline’s global headquarters in Fort Worth. This collaboration marks a shift in the airline’s engagement with the nonprofit, moving from general support to a titular sponsorship role during its 100th year of operation.
The partnership is framed as a central component of American Airlines’ 100th-anniversary celebrations. While the airline reflects on a century of connecting locations, this initiative highlights a forward-looking focus on workforce development and inclusion. By securing the “Official Airline” title, American aims to leverage its “hometown advantage” in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to recruit and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
Cole Brown, Chief People Officer at American Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance in a statement released by the company:
“At American, we believe building a culture where women and girls are represented, empowered and able to thrive as leaders is vital to the future of our industry. As we celebrate our centennial year, we’re proud to partner with WAI… to honor our legacy of innovation and reinforce our commitment to developing the future of the aviation workforce.”
Beyond the titular sponsorship, the press release details specific financial commitments aimed at reducing barriers to entry for women in aviation. American Airlines confirmed it will fund a total of eight scholarships for conference attendees. These awards are designed to address specific technical shortages in the industry.
According to the partnership details, the scholarships include:
In addition to direct financial aid, the airline will sponsor key events during the conference:
While the partnership represents a significant public relations milestone, it also highlights the ongoing disparity in gender representation within the cockpit. Industry data indicates that the global average for female airline pilots remains between 4% and 6%. American Airlines currently reports that approximately 5% of its pilots are women.
Comparatively, United Airlines leads major U.S. carriers with approximately 7.4% female pilot representation, while Delta Air Lines sits at roughly 5.3% and Southwest Airlines at 4.1%. The scholarships funded by this partnership target the “pipeline gap.” While women make up less than 20% of the total aviation workforce, they currently represent approximately 15% of student pilots. Initiatives like the WAI conference are critical for converting these students into career professionals. Lynda Coffman, CEO of Women in Aviation International, noted the significance of the airline’s involvement:
“As the Official Airline of this year’s annual conference, American has an important role in welcoming our estimated 5,000 WAI2026 attendees to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.”
Historically, American Airlines has played a role in breaking gender barriers; in 1973, it became the first major U.S. commercial carrier to hire a female pilot, Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo. This new partnership appears designed to reinforce that legacy as the carrier enters its second century.
American Airlines Becomes First “Official Airline” of Women in Aviation International Conference
A Centennial Commitment to Diversity
Scholarships and Career Initiatives
Financial Support Breakdown
Event Sponsorships
AirPro News Analysis: The Industry Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: American Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Air Astana Orders 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Expand US Routes
Air Astana finalizes $7B order for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to modernize its fleet and enable direct flights to North America starting 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Air Astana.
On February 17, 2026, Air Astana JSC, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, officially finalized a major agreement with Boeing for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The deal, announced in Seattle, marks the largest single aircraft purchase in the airline’s history and signals a pivotal shift in its long-haul strategy. Valued at approximately $7 billion at list prices, the agreement is designed to modernize the carrier’s widebody fleet and facilitate direct operations to North America.
The acquisition comes at a critical transition point for the Airlines, coinciding with a leadership change and following its recent IPO. According to the official announcement, the new fleet will replace aging Boeing 767s and provide the range necessary to navigate complex geopolitical airspace restrictions while connecting Central Asia to the United States.
The agreement creates a long-term pipeline for fleet renewal. According to details released regarding the Contracts, the order for 15 aircraft is structured in three tiers:
While the newly purchased jets are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2035, Air Astana will begin operating the Dreamliner much sooner. Through a separate agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), three leased Boeing 787-9s are expected to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2026. These leased units will allow the carrier to begin pilot training and route expansion immediately, bridging the gap until the direct orders arrive.
The selection of the 787-9 variant represents a significant upgrade in capacity and efficiency over Air Astana’s current widebody workhorse, the Boeing 767-300ER. Data provided in the announcement indicates the new Dreamliners will feature a two-class configuration with 303 seats, a substantial increase from the 223 seats offered on the 767s.
In a notable strategic pivot, Air Astana has selected General Electric GEnx-1B engines to power the new fleet, moving away from a 2012 intention to utilize Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The airline cites the 787-9’s superior fuel efficiency and range, approximately 7,530 nautical miles, as critical factors in the decision.
“Boeing airplanes have been integral to Air Astana’s operations from the beginning. We are proud that the 787 Dreamliner will support Central Asia’s growing importance in global aviation.”
, Paul Righi, VP of Commercial Sales (Eurasia), Boeing
A primary driver behind this investment is the airline’s ambition to launch non-stop service from Kazakhstan to New York (JFK). This route has long been a strategic goal but faces significant logistical hurdles due to the closure of Russian airspace following geopolitical sanctions. The current geopolitical climate necessitates a southern route over the Caspian Sea, Turkey, and Europe, adding considerable distance to the flight path. The extended range of the Boeing 787-9 is essential to making this detour commercially and operationally viable, allowing Air Astana to bypass Russian airspace without sacrificing payload or requiring technical stops.
The timing of this order suggests Air Astana is aggressively positioning itself as the dominant connector in the Central Asian market, outpacing regional competitors like Uzbekistan Airways. By securing the 787-9, the airline is not only solving the immediate problem of airspace restrictions but is also future-proofing its fleet against fuel price volatility. The shift to GE engines likely reflects a desire for reliability on these ultra-long-haul routes, where engine performance over remote regions is paramount.
The finalization of this order serves as a capstone achievement for outgoing CEO Peter Foster, who is set to retire in March 2026. Foster has led the airline through its recent IPO and this historic fleet renewal. He will be succeeded by current CFO Ibrahim Canliel, who will oversee the financial integration of these assets.
“The 787-9’s advanced technology and efficiency will allow us to connect Kazakhstan to new markets, including North America, with a superior passenger experience.”
, Peter Foster, Outgoing CEO, Air Astana
Sources: Boeing Mediaroom
Air Astana Finalizes Historic Orders for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Target US Routes
Deal Structure and Delivery Timeline
Technical Specifications and Fleet Modernization
Strategic Expansion: The “Holy Grail” of New York
AirPro News Analysis
Leadership Transition
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
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