Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Boeing Delivers First Two 787-9 Jets to Riyadh Air
Boeing delivered two 787-9 Dreamliners to Riyadh Air on June 5, 2026, ahead of the carrier’s July 1 inaugural flights.
The Boeing Company delivered the first two custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to Riyadh Air on June 5, 2026, marking a critical fleet milestone ahead of the Saudi Arabian startup carrier’s inaugural commercial passenger flights scheduled for July 1, 2026.
In a press release issued on June 5, 2026, Boeing confirmed the arrival of the widebody jets in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The delivery transitions Riyadh Air from operating a leased training aircraft to flying its own factory-fresh fleet as it prepares to launch initial service to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The fleet expansion is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation strategy, which targets 150 million annual visitors and 330 million annual passengers by the end of the decade.
Fleet development and operational launch
Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, originally placed its widebody order in March 2023. The agreement includes 39 firm orders for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner alongside options for an additional 33 airframes, bringing the potential total to 72 aircraft.
Prior to receiving these new airframes, Riyadh Air utilized a leased Boeing 787 from Oman Air starting in late 2025. Live From A Lounge reported that this leased aircraft allowed the startup to conduct crew training and maintain valuable slot allocations at LHR. With the arrival of its own custom-built jets, the airline has formally opened ticket sales for its initial route connecting Riyadh and London, according to Skift.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas emphasized the significance of the delivery for the new carrier.
“To see our very first custom-built 787 Dreamliner airplanes touch down in Riyadh is a historic moment for us, and a momentous day for Saudi aviation,” Douglas stated in the Boeing release. “Not only are we building an airline, we are opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the Kingdom.”
Strategic partnerships and network growth
The airline plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030. To support this rapid network expansion, Riyadh Air is actively establishing partnerships with established global carriers.
On June 4, 2026, Riyadh Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air India. Aviation Week reported that the agreement outlines planned interline and codeshare arrangements, pending regulatory approvals. This collaboration is designed to facilitate passenger connections between Saudi Arabia, India, and subsequent international destinations.
Stephanie Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted that the aircraft will provide the startup with the necessary range and economics to execute its network strategy. The manufacturer stated the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers the efficiency and route flexibility required for Riyadh Air’s ambitious growth targets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the on-time delivery of these initial Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as a critical operational de-risking event for Riyadh Air. Launching a new national carrier on a strict timeline requires precise synchronization of aircraft deliveries, regulatory certification, and crew readiness. By securing its own metal ahead of the July 1, 2026 launch, Riyadh Air avoids the operational compromises often associated with extended reliance on wet-leased or interim aircraft. The immediate push for codeshare agreements, such as the recent MoU with Air India, indicates a strategy focused on rapid market penetration rather than slow, organic route development.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Riyadh Air
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Avolon Acquires 11 Airbus A321neo Jets from Frontier Airlines
Avolon acquires 11 A321neo delivery slots from Frontier Airlines, valued at US$1.425B, as the carrier reduces capital commitments after a 2025 net loss.
Aircraft lessor Avolon Holdings Limited will acquire 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft originally ordered by Frontier Airlines, absorbing near-term delivery slots scheduled between November 2026 and June 2027.
The transaction was unanimously approved by the board of directors of Avolon parent company Bohai Leasing Co Ltd on June 30, 2026. The agreement allows the Dublin-based lessor to expand its narrowbody portfolio amid ongoing global supply chain constraints. For Frontier Airlines, the transfer reduces capital commitments following a financially challenging 2025 in which the United States-based ultra-low-cost carrier reported a net loss of US$137 million.
Transaction details and delivery timeline
According to a regulatory filing submitted to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE), the 11 aircraft hold a combined list value of US$1.425 billion based on 2018 Airbus SE catalogue prices. The final purchase price remains confidential under the terms of the agreement.
The aircraft are scheduled to join the Avolon fleet between November 2026 and June 2027. These airframes are drawn from a November 14, 2021, order placed by Frontier Airlines for 91 Airbus A321neo jets.
Fleet strategy and market dynamics
The agreement highlights shifting fleet strategies among operators and lessors. Frontier Group Holdings, the parent company of Frontier Airlines, generated US$3.724 billion in revenue during 2025 but ultimately posted a US$137 million net loss. Offloading these near-term delivery slots provides the airline with a mechanism to adjust its capacity growth and financial obligations.
Avolon gains access to highly sought-after narrowbody aircraft. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) delivery delays have constrained the supply of new aircraft, driving intense demand in the leasing market for fuel-efficient models like the Airbus A321neo.
AirPro News analysis
We view this transaction as a mutually beneficial realignment of assets driven by current macroeconomic pressures in the aviation sector. Frontier Airlines secures immediate relief from the capital expenditure required to induct 11 new aircraft over an eight-month period, which aligns with the carrier’s need to stabilize its balance sheet after its 2025 losses. Avolon secures premium, near-term delivery slots that are virtually impossible to obtain directly from Airbus at this stage. Given the persistent shortage of narrowbody lift globally, Avolon is well-positioned to place these aircraft with operators eager for capacity.
Sources: Shenzhen Stock Exchange
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Signs 787-9 Sale Leaseback with Lufthansa
CDB Aviation completes its first direct lease with Lufthansa Airlines, covering two Boeing 787-9s with Allegris cabins.
CDB Aviation has executed a sale and leaseback agreement with Lufthansa Airlines for two Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking the Irish lessor’s first direct leasing transaction with the German flag carrier.
Announced in a company press release on July 1, 2026, the transaction involves widebody aircraft delivered to Lufthansa in late 2025 and early 2026. The deal expands CDB Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., into a direct relationship with a top-tier European credit while adding new-technology assets to its portfolio.
Transaction details and delivery timeline
The two Boeing 787-9s involved in the agreement feature Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin configuration. The lessor is acquiring the aircraft specifically from Lufthansa Asset Management Leasing GmbH, the airline’s dedicated asset management entity.
The leaseback arrangement, structured under operating leases, is expected to close by mid-July 2026. This timeline aligns with CDB Aviation’s broader strategy to grow its aviation leasing assets under Hong Kong listing rules, securing long-term placements for highly liquid aircraft types.
Expanding the Lufthansa Group relationship
While this agreement represents the first direct aircraft lease between CDB Aviation and Lufthansa Airlines, the lessor has an established history with the broader corporate group. CDB Aviation previously executed aircraft sales to Lufthansa Group sister carriers Austrian Airlines and Eurowings, and has also conducted business with Lufthansa’s engine leasing division.
Gavan Daly, Head of Commercial for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at CDB Aviation, highlighted the strategic value of formalizing a direct lease with the mainline carrier.
“This sale and leaseback agreement with Lufthansa represents a key transaction for CDB Aviation, as we continue to grow the portfolio with top-tier credits and new technology, liquid assets.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this transaction as a standard but strategic portfolio enhancement for CDB Aviation, aligning with the broader industry trend of lessors targeting highly liquid, new-generation widebody aircraft. Securing a direct lease with Lufthansa Airlines diversifies the lessor’s European footprint while providing the airline with capital flexibility following its recent fleet modernization investments. The Boeing 787-9 remains a highly sought-after asset in the secondary market, minimizing residual value risk for the lessor over the life of the operating lease.
Sources: CDB Aviation
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BOC Aviation Signs A350-1000 Leaseback Deal With Qatar Airways
BOC Aviation finalizes a purchase and leaseback of three Airbus A350-1000s with Qatar Airways, its first financing of the type for the carrier.
BOC Aviation Limited has finalized a purchase and leaseback agreement with Qatar Airways for three Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking the lessor’s first financing of the widebody type for the Doha-based carrier.
Announced in a press release on June 30, 2026, the transaction involves aircraft that were originally delivered to the airline in late 2025. The long-term operating leases expand BOC Aviation’s widebody portfolio while providing liquidity to Qatar Airways as the airline continues its network restoration efforts.
Transaction details and fleet integration
The three Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. According to a regulatory filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx), the formal agreement was executed on June 29, 2026.
BOC Aviation Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Steven Townend highlighted the strategic nature of the deal.
“We deliberately strengthened our liquidity position earlier this year with transactions of this quality in mind and we are delighted to deploy that capacity in support of one of our largest and most valued customers,” Townend stated.
The lessor noted that this agreement builds on a long-standing partnership with Qatar Airways. As of March 31, 2026, BOC Aviation reported a portfolio of 813 owned, managed, and on-order aircraft and engines, leased to 88 airlines globally.
Qatar Airways operational context
The leaseback arrangement follows a period of executive restructuring and operational recovery for Qatar Airways. On June 18, 2026, the airline reported that its network had been restored to 85 percent of pre-crisis levels.
The carrier, which operates an active fleet of approximately 230 aircraft, also recently created two new executive roles to focus on operations and customer experience. According to reporting by Aviation Week, this follows a sudden leadership transition in December 2025, when Hamad Ali Al-Khater was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
AirPro News analysis
We view this purchase and leaseback agreement as a standard capital management maneuver for Qatar Airways, allowing the carrier to free up balance sheet liquidity tied up in its late-2025 widebody deliveries. For BOC Aviation, securing three high-value Airbus A350-1000 assets on long-term leases with a premium Gulf carrier aligns with the lessor’s stated strategy of deploying its strengthened capital reserves into low-risk, high-yield widebody assets. The transaction underscores the ongoing reliance of major network carriers on the sale-and-leaseback market to optimize capital structures during periods of network expansion.
Sources: BOC Aviation
Photo Credit: Airbus