This article is based on an official press release from GOAL Aircraft Leasing.

AviLease Acquires Two Airbus A350-900s from GOAL Aircraft Leasing

Riyadh-based lessor AviLease has successfully completed the acquisition of two Airbus A350-900 aircraft from GOAL Aircraft Leasing (GOAL). According to an official announcement released on February 10, 2026, the transaction involves aircraft currently on long-term lease to Fiji Airways. The deal marks another step in AviLease’s aggressive portfolio expansion while representing a strategic divestment for GOAL and its investors.

The aircraft, identified by Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSN) 260 and 251, were physically delivered to the AviLease portfolio in late December 2025. The sale was structured with deliveries attached, ensuring operational continuity for Fiji Airways, which utilizes these widebody jets as a core component of its long-haul fleet modernization strategy.

Transaction Overview and Structure

This acquisition highlights the continued activity of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the global aviation sector. AviLease, wholly owned by the PIF, acted as the buyer, while GOAL Aircraft Leasing, a joint venture between KGAL GmbH & Co. KG and Deutsche Lufthansa AG, facilitated the sale on behalf of its investment funds.

According to the press release and industry data, the two aircraft originated from distinct investment vehicles managed by GOAL:

• MSN 260: Previously held by KGAL’s APF 5 fund.
• MSN 251: Previously owned by a U.S.-based investment fund managed by GOAL.

Christian Schloemann, Managing Director of GOAL, commented on the strategic nature of the sale in the company’s statement:

“This transaction demonstrates the successful execution of the opportunistic investment strategy pursued by KGAL’s equity investors.”

The sale generates liquidity for the sellers, which GOAL has stated it intends to reinvest into new aircraft opportunities, maintaining an active approach to portfolio management.

Strategic Implications for AviLease and Fiji Airways

For AviLease, this purchase aligns with its stated mandate to become a top-10 global lessor by 2030. Since its launch in 2022, the lessor has focused on acquiring new-technology, fuel-efficient assets. The Airbus A350-900, known for its composite structure and 25% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous generations, fits the “investment-grade” profile AviLease targets.

Fleet Continuity for Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways originally took delivery of these specific airframes in August 2023. The airline uses the A350-900 to service key trans-Pacific routes, including flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco. The transfer of ownership to AviLease does not impact the airline’s daily operations, as the long-term leases remain intact.

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this transaction underscores the high liquidity of the Airbus A350 in the secondary market. While widebody values fluctuated earlier in the decade, the A350-900 has solidified its position as a preferred asset for lessors seeking stable, long-term returns. For AviLease, acquiring assets with top-tier lessees like Fiji Airways allows for immediate revenue generation without the lead times associated with direct manufacturer orders. Simultaneously, it validates the “trading” model of lessors like GOAL, who successfully exited the asset at a time of high market demand.

About the Aircraft

The Airbus A350-900 is a premier widebody aircraft capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles. Fiji Airways configures these jets with a two-class layout, featuring 33 lie-flat Business Class suites and 301 Economy Class seats, significantly upgrading the passenger experience compared to the older Airbus A330s they replaced.

Sources

• GOAL Aircraft Leasing Press Release