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

This article is based on an official press release from Air Canada and additional fleet data.

Air Canada Selects Airbus A350-1000 for Future Long-Haul Fleet Renewal

Air Canada has officially announced a major step in its fleet modernization strategy with a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement, confirmed in a company press release, also includes options for an additional eight vessels. This acquisition marks a pivotal shift for the carrier as it looks to replace older widebody jets and expand its international network capacity into the next decade.

Deliveries for the new aircraft are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030. According to the airline, these new widebodies will primarily replace the aging Airbus A330-300 fleet and older Boeing 777 models, offering significant improvements in fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The move diversifies Air Canada’s long-haul portfolio, which currently relies heavily on the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner families.

Deal Specifics and Financial Overview

The order secures a firm commitment for eight units of the A350-1000, the largest variant in the Airbus A350 family. While the exact transaction price remains confidential, industry data estimates the list price value of the firm order at approximately $3 billion USD, though airlines typically negotiate significant discounts.

According to technical details released regarding the acquisition, the new fleet will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. These engines are the exclusive powerplant for the A350-1000 and are noted for their efficiency and reliability in long-haul operations.

Strategic Fleet Replacement

Air Canada’s press statement highlights that this order is not merely for expansion but is a critical component of a broader replacement cycle. The targeted aircraft for retirement include:

• Airbus A330-300s: Many of which are approaching 25 years of service.
• Older Boeing 777-200LR/300ERs: Which have served as the backbone of the carrier’s high-density international routes.

The A350-1000s will operate alongside the existing Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet and the 14 incoming Boeing 787-10 aircraft expected to enter service between late 2025 and 2026.

Operational Capabilities and Efficiency

The transition to the A350-1000 offers substantial operational benefits. Air Canada notes that the new aircraft will deliver a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to the previous generation aircraft they are replacing. This aligns with the airline’s environmental goals and efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its long-haul operations.

With a range of approximately 8,700 nautical miles (16,100 km), the A350-1000 is capable of operating ultra-long-haul routes. This range capability will allow Air Canada to strengthen its primary hubs in Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR), connecting them directly to high-demand markets in Asia and Europe that might otherwise require stopovers or payload restrictions.

Comparison: A350-1000 vs. Boeing 777-300ER

The A350-1000 is often viewed as a direct competitor to the Boeing 777-300ER. Data compiled from manufacturer specifications highlights several advantages for the incoming Airbus fleet:

• Range: The A350 offers approximately 1,300 nautical miles more range than the 777-300ER.
• Cabin Environment: The A350 features a lower cabin altitude (approx. 6,000 ft) and higher humidity levels, which help reduce jet lag.
• Noise: It is marketed as having the quietest twin-aisle cabin in the sky.

Passenger Experience and “Glowing Hearted” Design

Air Canada intends to use the arrival of the A350-1000 to debut a new standard of interior design. The press release references a “Glowing Hearted” aesthetic, designed to emphasize Canadian hospitality through warmer tones and improved amenities.

While the specific seat map has not been finalized, the configuration is expected to lean heavily toward premium travelers. Anticipated features include:

• Signature Class: Likely a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout with direct aisle access, potentially including “Business Plus” suites in the front row.
• Premium Economy: A larger dedicated cabin to accommodate growing demand for mid-tier luxury travel.
• Modern IFE: 4K screens and Bluetooth audio connectivity throughout all classes.

AirPro News Analysis

This order represents a strategic diversification for Air Canada. For years, the carrier has leaned heavily on Boeing for its flagship widebody operations (777 and 787). By introducing the A350-1000, Air Canada reduces its reliance on a single manufacturer, insulating itself against potential delivery delays or technical groundings that have plagued the industry in recent years.

Furthermore, the decision places Air Canada in a competitive position against North American rivals. It will become only the second North American carrier to operate the A350-1000, following Delta Air Lines. This differentiation in cabin quality, specifically the lower cabin altitude and quieter ride, could become a decisive factor for business travelers on ultra-long-haul routes to the Pacific Rim.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new A350-1000s start flying for Air Canada?

Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the second half of 2030.

How many passengers does the A350-1000 hold?

While Air Canada has not released a specific seat count, the A350-1000 typically accommodates between 350 and 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration.

Will these planes replace the Boeing Dreamliners?

No. The A350-1000s are intended to replace older Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s. They will operate alongside the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

Sources

• Air Canada Press Release
• Airbus Technical Data

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional fleet data.

EgyptAir Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-900, Initiating Major Fleet Overhaul

EgyptAir has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, registered as SU-GGE, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s modernization strategy. The handover, which took place on February 9, 2026, positions the Cairo-based airline as the first operator of the A350-900 in North Africa.

According to an official press release from Airbus, this aircraft is the first of 16 A350-900s ordered by the Egyptian flag carrier. The delivery underscores EgyptAir’s commitment to phasing out older wide-body jets while expanding its long-haul network capabilities to new destinations in North America and Asia.

Fleet Modernization and Strategic Expansion

The arrival of the A350-900 represents a pivotal shift in EgyptAir’s long-haul operations. The airline originally signed for 10 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, later expanding the commitment with a top-up order for six additional units. These new airframes are intended to replace the carrier’s aging Boeing 777-300ER fleet, offering improved operating economics and passenger comfort.

In a statement regarding the initial order, Yehia Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding Chairman and CEO, highlighted the flagship status of the new type:

“The A350-900 will be our flagship aircraft… adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to our fleet will be instrumental in expanding our offering.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, noted the economic advantages the aircraft brings to the airline’s network:

“The A350 is the one and only aircraft enabling EgyptAir to open up its network with benchmark economic efficiency, not to mention passenger comfort.”

Operational Deployment

EgyptAir has outlined a phased entry-into-service plan for the new fleet. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on trunk routes to London and Paris to facilitate crew familiarization. Following this integration period, the airline plans to leverage the A350’s 9,700 nautical mile range to launch non-stop services to the U.S. West Coast and key Asian markets, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.

Cabin Configuration and Passenger Experience

The new A350-900 features a two-class configuration designed to maximize capacity while introducing updated premium amenities. According to fleet data, the aircraft accommodates a total of 340 passengers.

• Business Class: 30 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers and fully lie-flat beds.
• Economy Class: 310 seats featuring the “Airspace” cabin design, which includes wider seats, higher ceilings, and advanced LED ambient lighting intended to reduce jet lag.

Technological upgrades are a focal point of the new cabin. The aircraft is equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, providing 4K OLED screens and high-fidelity audio. Additionally, passengers across all classes will have access to USB-C fast charging ports and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

Environmental Performance

The transition to the A350-900 aligns with broader industry sustainability goals. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft is reported to burn 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces. This efficiency gain corresponds to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, the A350 is recognized as the quietest aircraft in its class, possessing a noise footprint 50% smaller than older jets, a critical factor for operations at noise-sensitive airports in Europe and North America.

AirPro News Analysis: Regional Market Context

EgyptAir’s delivery secures its position as the sole active operator of the A350-900 in the North African region, a status solidified by the shifting strategies of its neighbors. While other carriers in the region had previously expressed interest in the type, market dynamics have led to cancellations and delays.

For instance, Air Algérie cancelled its order for A350-1000s in early 2025, opting instead for Airbus A330-900neos. Similarly, Tunisair cancelled its A350 commitments in 2013. Other regional orders, such as those from Libyan carriers Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines, remain stalled due to long-standing instability. Consequently, EgyptAir currently faces no direct regional competition operating this specific airframe, potentially offering it a product advantage on competitive routes connecting Africa to Europe and the Americas.

Sources:
Airbus Press Release