International Airfinance Corporation (IAFC) has arranged a deal to acquire 30 Airbus aircraft of A320-200 model and 20 aircraft of A330-300 model to be leased to Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia).

The deal will see IAFC arranging debt and equity financing to facilitate the procurement.

Quantum Investment Bank and Palma Capital, both DIFC-based and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) have been appointed as exclusive arrangers for Saudia’s largest aircraft leasing deal in history.

Ammer Al-Selham, chairman of the Board of Quantum Investment Bank said: "Quantum aspires to strengthen its relationships with public and private institutions in Saudi Arabia in the near future and provide them with Shariah-compliant financing solutions. We consider this as our modest contribution to the development of our economy and in line with the vision of our wise leadership towards a stronger Saudi economy and the well-being of its people."

Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, will become the first airline in the world to operate the Airbus A330-300 Regional, following an Operating lease agreement signed with IAFC for 20 A330-300 Regional and 30 A320ceo.

Dr Idriss Ghodbane CEO of Quantum Investment Bank said: "I would like to thank our team who has been working for more than a year on this transaction. We at Quantum aim to provide our clients with the most innovative financing solutions in a Sariah compliant manner and introduce to our investor base selected landmark transactions with attractive risk return profile."

Moulay Omar Alaoui, CEO of IAFC and also chairman of Palma Capital said: "We are very pleased to partner with IAFC and Quantum in this transaction. Palma is bringing a strong expertise in the aviation sector and a deep knowledge of the industry.” – TradeArabia News Service