It’s been a busy week for Dublin-based aviation financing specialist Avolon, as it has agreed lease deals with three airlines for 20 aircraft.
Etihad
The largest deal is with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, for which Avolon will provide the airline with nine Airbus A330neos and four A320neos, as announced at the Dubai Airshow. This is in addition to the six A330neos Etihad has ordered directly with Airbus.
Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon, said: “Etihad’s selection of the A330neo is a strong endorsement for the programme and reflects the high level of demand from airlines for widebody capacity. The scale of our orderbook, bolstered by our order for 75 A321neos and 15 A330neos in July, has enabled us to ensure Etihad has the capacity required for its expansion plans. We are delighted to increase our exposure to a top-tier carrier like Etihad as the Middle East continues to expand as an aviation hub.”
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, added: “Avolon has been a valued partner in supporting the evolution of our fleet, and these additional A330neo and A320neo family aircraft give us the flexibility and efficiency we need for the next phase of our growth. The A330neo will play a key role in strengthening our medium-haul network, while the A320neo family supports our short-haul expansion and enhances connectivity through Abu Dhabi. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Avolon as we continue to build a modern, efficient fleet.”
Avolon was the launch customer for the A330neo and has 87 of the type in its owned and committed fleet.
Centrum Air
In a separate deal, Avolon will provide Uzbekistan carrier Centrum Air with five new Airbus A320 family aircraft. Centrum became an Avolon customer earlier this year with the lease of an A320-200, which has been delivered to the airline.
Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon, said they were “delighted to strengthen our relationship with Centrum Air,”
Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov, Chairman of Centrum Air, added, “We are pleased to expand our partnership with Avolon as we continue to grow our fleet and strengthen our international network. These new aircraft will play an important role in supporting our strategic plans for expansion and improving the travel experience for our passengers. This cooperation marks another milestone in Centrum Air’s long-term development.”
Royal Jordanian Airlines
In a deal announced today, Royal Jordanian has agreed to lease two Airbus A321neo aircraft from Avolon, in addition to the eight A320neos agreed earlier this year. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2027 and will support Royal Jordanian’s expansion and growth plans.
Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Avolon, said: “It is a pleasure to be extending our partnership with Royal Jordanian with this additional lease of two A321neos. It follows on from our agreement to lease eight A320neos earlier this year and shows our ability to use our large orderbook to support the airline’s fleet expansion plans with new technology, lower emissions aircraft.”
Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian, added: “Our continued partnership with Avolon is an integral part of Royal Jordanian’s fleet modernisation journey. The addition of these new A321neos supports our growth strategy across the region and reinforces our commitment to operating one of the most efficient and environmentally responsible fleets in the Middle East. These next-generation aircraft will enhance our guests’ travel experience while advancing our goal to position Amman as the leading gateway to the Levant.”
As of September 2025, Avolon had 347 Airbus A320neo family aircraft on order.