Airlines

AviLease Buys 167 Standard Chartered Aircraft For $3.6 Billion

In order to position itself among the top 10 worldwide lessors by 2030, Aircraft Leasing Company (AviLease) has agreed to pay $3.6 billion for the aircraft leasing operations of UK-based Standard Chartered.

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The jet lessor, based in Riyadh and supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will buy a portfolio of 100 narrow-body aircraft and take on the servicing of an additional 22 aircraft. The integrated platform will manage and supervise 167 aircraft, including a $6 billion owned fleet of 145 aircraft and a $800 million managed fleet of 22 aircraft. According to a statement from AviLease, the corporation leases airplanes to 46 airlines around the world.

The agreement comes as the bank works to meet its 2024 goals by concentrating on business sectors where it distinguishes apart from rivals. The sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia owns the aircraft lessor AviLease, which has its headquarters in Riyadh and is also known as Aircraft Leasing Co. In January, StanChart stated that it was looking into potential changes for its worldwide aviation finance operation.

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“The sale of our Aviation Finance leasing business allows us to continue focusing our efforts on those areas where we are most differentiated, and to make further progress on our Return on Tangible Equity journey,” stated Simon Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered. I want to express my gratitude to our Aviation Finance coworkers, whose dedication to developing an excellent franchise over the course of more than 15 years made this transaction successful.

After the deal closes, Standard Chartered will see a rise in its common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of about 19 basis points and a gain of about US$0.3 billion. The net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be factored into Standard Chartered’s overall management of the capital and liquidity position of Standard Chartered and its subsidiaries.

Related Topics:Avilease Standard Charter

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.