AviLease Secures Investment Grade Ratings From Moody’s And Fitch For Strong Growth Potential

AviLease, a company under the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Saudi Arabia, has been awarded investment-grade corporate credit ratings. Moody’s Ratings assigned a Baa2 with a stable outlook, while Fitch Ratings gave a BBB with a stable outlook. These ratings reflect AviLease's high-quality portfolio of modern aircraft and its strong financial standing. The company's growth is expected to make it a significant player in the industry by 2030.

The strategic importance of AviLease is acknowledged in relation to PIF's goals for Saudi Arabia's aviation sector under Vision 2030. The ratings agencies highlighted this role as crucial for the country's aviation growth. AviLease's alignment with these national objectives underscores its potential impact on the sector's development.

Edward O'Byrne, CEO of AviLease, stated: "From day one, AviLease was set up with an investment grade profile in mind. Through the acquisition of the Standard Chartered Aviation platform, we have been able to accelerate our strategy by at least two years, establishing a robust platform of 200 owned and managed aircraft." He emphasized that achieving such ratings within three years is notable and positions AviLease among top industry lessors swiftly.

Financial Flexibility and Market Access

The investment-grade ratings provide AviLease with enhanced financial flexibility. This achievement allows the company to access global capital markets more effectively, supporting its business strategies. Such access is vital for maintaining its competitive edge in the aircraft leasing industry and aligns with broader national strategies.

Chairman Fahad AlSaif remarked: "The investment grade ratings from Moody’s and Fitch underscore the quality of our aircraft leasing platform both in terms of operational excellence and financial robustness. These ratings will enable AviLease to access global capital markets to finance its business strategies, positioning itself at the forefront of the aircraft leasing industry, in complete alignment with the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030."

AviLease's rapid progress since its establishment highlights its strategic planning and execution capabilities. The recognition from Moody’s and Fitch not only validates its efforts but also sets a solid foundation for future growth within the aviation sector.

With inputs from SPA