CDB Aviation celebrates delivery of Sichuan Airlines’ 200th aircraft

CDB Aviation joined a grand ceremony held at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on July 9, 2024, to celebrate the delivery of a second Airbus A330-300 Passenger to Freighter on lease to its existing customer, Sichuan Airlines.

“We are thrilled to be joining our partners at Sichuan Airlines in celebrating this significant 200th aircraft milestone in the airline’s impressive regional and international growth story,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “CDB Aviation congratulates the Sichuan Airlines team on achieving their leading position among airlines in Western China and its growing role as an international airline in both the passenger and cargo markets.”

“We are very happy to strengthen on our relationship with CDB Aviation and appreciate Jie Chen and his team for their continued hard work in bringing the second A330 P2F aircraft to Sichuan Airlines,” said Zuyi Shi, Chairman of Sichuan Airlines. “The aircraft is a superb addition to our cargo fleet, providing us with more widebody freighter capacity and enhancing our operational capabilities to meet the rapidly expanded market demand. This will further ensure our airlines’ sustainable growth in the long term.”

“CDB Aviation values our strong and long-standing relationship with Sichuan Airlines, and we are grateful for the confidence the airline has placed in our international leasing platform. We look forward to supporting Sichuan Airlines’ future growth,” concluded Chen.

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CDB Aviation leases two new 737 MAX 8 jets to TAROM

CDB Aviation has confirmed the signing of lease agreements for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with a new customer, Romanian flag air carrier TAROM.

The two MAX aircraft, leased from CDB Aviation’s direct orderbook with Boeing, will support TAROM’s fleet modernization process, which is aimed to result in a standardized fleet and allow for a significant reduction in costs. The aircraft will be configured with 189 seats and scheduled to be delivered to the airline between December 2025 and January 2026.

“We look forward to forging a strong relationship with our newest European customer and one of the region’s oldest airlines, TAROM. Since its inception seven decades ago, TAROM is currently the longest operating airline of Romania, having played a central role in advancing the country’s aviation industry and its regional connectivity. With these MAX aircraft, TAROM will be able to continue to enhance its market position, while building one of the youngest fleets in the region,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are thrilled to partner with CDB Aviation in our ongoing plans to modernize TAROM’s fleet, and the role of these two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft is to help us enhance operational efficiency and provide our passengers with a superior flying experience. We value CDB Aviation’s expertise and support for this investment, an important part of our company's development plan, in which the fleet update is a key element in bringing about a better commercial performance and growth outlook, and we are looking forward to introducing them in our regular flight planning,” commented Costin Iordache, TAROM’s Chief Executive Officer.

TAROM Romanian Air Transport was established in 1954 and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Transport, being a member of the SkyTeam Alliance since June 25, 2010. The Romanian flag carrier owns a fleet of 18 aircraft and has in its portfolio a number of 70 destinations operated with its own aircrafts or served by its code share partners. 

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CDB Aviation leases three Airbus A320neo jets to Guizhou Airlines

The Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., CDB Aviation has confirmed the delivery of the first of three Airbus A320neo aircraft to a new Chinese airline customer, Colorful Guizhou Airlines Co.

The Guiyang-based carrier received the A320-251N aircraft during a delivery ceremony held in Tianjin, China, on June 14, 2024, which coincided with the ninth anniversary of the airline’s establishment. The aircraft is configured with four business and 168 economy class seats. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to the airline before 2025.

“This new partnership with Colorful Guizhou Airlines demonstrates our ongoing commitment to building and cultivating long-term relationships with airlines in all key aviation markets,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that this new modern, fuel-efficient aircraft will greatly benefit Colorful Guizhou Airlines’ operations in support of the airline’s fleet expansion plans.”

“We are pleased to have successfully introduced our tenth A320neo aircraft. Not only is this an important milestone in the development of Colorful Guizhou Airlines, but also a crucial step towards our future. The newly joined aircraft will further enhance our capacity and operational efficiency,” commented Fanyu Liu, Colorful Guizhou Airlines’ Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee. “We are delighted to establish a good cooperative relationship with CDB Aviation, and we hope to continue to deepen communication, explore new cooperation opportunities, and jointly promote innovative development in the future."

“I would like to share my true appreciation for both the Colorful Guizhou Airlines and internal CDB Aviation teams for their outstanding collaboration on structuring and executing this transaction from our orderbook, facilitating our platform’s first delivery to the newest customer in China,” added Chen.

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CDB Aviation Leases Two New A320neos to New Customer Azerbaijan Airlines

CDB Aviation, has confirmed the execution of lease agreements for two Airbus A320neo aircraft with a new customer and one of the largest carriers in the Commonwealth of Independent States (the “CIS”) countries, Azerbaijan's national air carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines.

The A320-251 aircraft will be scheduled to be delivered in June and July 2025 and will support the airline’s fleet renewal strategy targeted to equip the carrier with the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“This new partnership with AZAL is an important milestone for our platform, as it marks our very first transaction within Azerbaijan, as well as the addition of a new customer in the region,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that the selection of these latest generation A320neo Family aircraft will further boost AZAL’s sustainable growth, providing passengers with excellent comfort throughout its fleet.”

“The signing of these two leases marks the start of our fleet replacement to the most modern aircraft and interiors. Our passengers will be delighted with what can be achieved in the NEO cabin, with their increased comfort and enjoyment. It’s been a pleasure working with CDB Aviation, and we look forward to taking delivery of the Airbus aircraft in the summer of 2025,” said AZAL President, Samir Rzayev.

“I would like to thank the AZAL and CDB Aviation teams for their excellent collaboration on both sides of this transaction and their outstanding efforts, hard work, and dedication in getting these lease agreements over the finish line,” added Chen.

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CDB Aviation Releases 2023 Sustainability Report

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. has released its second sustainability report, outlining Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)-related activities for the year 2023.

“I am delighted to present CDB Aviation’s second sustainability report and provide an update on the progress made in building a more sustainable fleet, reducing our emissions, and creating a workforce with the right knowledge and skills to deliver on our sustainability ambition,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer.

In 2023, CDB Aviation continued to further embed sustainability into its core strategy, with a focus on the twin pillars of “Managing our Impact” and “Maximizing our Influence” across the business and the broader industry. Key milestones achieved in executing its sustainability strategy:

Further investment in new generation aircraft, increasing the share of the most fuel-efficient and lowest emission types to 50% of its fleet (based on aircraft count);

Completion of the world’s first syndicated Sustainability Linked Loan (“SLL”) in the aircraft leasing industry, executing a $625 million syndicated term loan facility;

Introduction of sustainable investing metrics into its underwriting decision-making process, becoming the first lessor to disclose asset emissions intensity data;

Progress in building a reporting framework, preparing for the more extensive reporting requirements guided by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”);

Continued industry engagement, working with customers, OEMs, and other stakeholders towards achieving IATA’s Fly Net Zero 2050 goal;

Collaboration with Aviation Leasing Ireland (“ALI”) and Aviation Skillnet, implementing the inniu online sustainability learning platform with sector-specific ESG training;

Completion of ESG and DEI-related training by team members, delivering on the Social key performance indicator (“KPI”) included as one of the three targets under the SLL; and

In 2023, Morningstar Sustainalytics assigned a ‘Low ESG Risk’ rating to CDB Aviation, placing the lessor in the 6th percentile within its industry group in recognition of the level of progress made across a range of sustainability initiatives as well as efforts in building the sustainability agenda.

“Looking to the future, we are encouraged by the strong start we have made in implementing our sustainability strategy into business as usual, both internally and externally, but we remain conscious that lots of hard work lies ahead,” concluded Chen.

Visit www.cdbaviation.aero/sustainability to view the lessor’s ‘Sustainability Report 2023.’

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CDB Aviation Purchases Four Airbus Aircraft from Avolon

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., has closed the purchase of four aircraft from Avolon.

The purchased assets comprise one A330-900, two A321neo, and one A320ceo aircraft, and contain both fixed and floating rate leases with CDB Aviation’s existing and new airline customers.

“We are very pleased to have partnered with the Avolon team to carry out the acquisition of these predominantly new-gen assets on lease to some of our existing and new lessees, which allow us to further grow our strong customer base and build our modern fleet,” expressed Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer.

Andy Cronin, Chief Executive Officer, Avolon, commented: “We have traded over $10 billion of aircraft since our foundation in 2010, and we continue to see strong demand across all asset types. We are delighted to have completed this transaction with CDB Aviation and look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.”

“This transaction demonstrates our platform’s activity in the secondary market, which serves as an effective supplemental function that supports our fleet’s growth by adding new generation aircraft,” added Chen.

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Turkish Airlines to add One Airbus A330-300 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet on lease from CDB Aviation

Turkish Airlines to add One  Airbus A330-300 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet on lease from CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation, the aircraft leasing and management firm of the China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. has confirmed the signing of new lease agreements for a fleet of an additional seven narrowbody and widebody aircraft to Turkish Airlines.  

The flag carrier of Turkey is getting one used Airbus A330-343 which is scheduled to arrive at the carrier during May this year. This widebody jet will help support the expansion of Turkish Airlines' mainline international operations. 

The carrier is also getting another six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and these will be received between 2025 and 2026 and will be used by subsidiary, Ajet. The new jets will be powered by CFM International Leap-1B engine and are coming from CDB's existing orderbook with Boeing.

“We are delighted to continue building upon a strong and long-term partnership with our valued customer, Turkish Airlines,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “The 737 MAX 8 aircraft will contribute toward the airline’s stated goal for Ajet to become an important part of the low-cost aviation industry on a global scale, while the A330 will provide the increased capacity to support its ever-expanding global network.”

WestJet adding to fleet in 2025 through leasing of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Additional aircraft furthers WestJet's leading narrowbody order book, enhancing capacity to fulfil network growth

WestJet announced the acquisition of five brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, adding to the airline's already significant multi-billion-dollar investment in its orderbook. The airline expects to receive delivery of the aircraft in early 2025, after recently completing leasing agreements with China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Aviation) for three aircraft and international aircraft leasing company, Avolon for two aircraft.

"We are adding these five aircraft to our 737 MAX family very soon and look forward to this additional capacity enhancing our already forecasted fleet expansion, further enabling our execution of providing affordable and diverse air travel options for our guests," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "As Canada's coast-to-coast leisure champion and western home carrier, the continued expansion of our fleet in tandem with our low-cost foundation is a key accelerator of our growth strategy."

Combined with its existing order book, WestJet will now receive as many as 22 brand new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes before the end of 2025, and up to 62 additional airplanes of this type before the end of 2028. This makes WestJet's narrowbody order book the largest of any Canadian airline.

"CDB Aviation values our expanding relationship with WestJet and we are pleased to be able to support the airline's fleet expansion in an environmentally friendly manner as we lease these three new fuel-efficient B737-8 aircraft direct from our orderbook," stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation's Chief Executive Officer.

"We're delighted to be expanding on our strong relationship with Westjet and are pleased to support WestJet's fleet expansion needs from our Boeing orderbook," said Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon. "We expect to see continued growth for the aviation sector in the coming years, including in North America, and are excited to provide a fleet solution to a strategic customer in the region."

Icelandair signs contracts for two additional Airbus aircraft

Icelandair and CDB Aviation have signed long-term lease agreements for two new Airbus A321LR aircraft scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2025.  

As previously announced, Icelandair signed a contract with Airbus for up to 25 Airbus A321XLR aircraft in July 2023 as well as having secured long-term lease agreements for five new A321LR aircraft. 

The Airbus A321LR and XLR aircraft will be the future replacement of Icelandair’s fleet of Boeing 757s. Deliveries of the A321LR aircraft will begin later this year and XLR deliveries will start in 2029.  

Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair president and CEO:  “We continue our fleet renewal and are very pleased to announce the lease of two new aircraft from CDB Aviation, expanding our business relationship with the company. We have already started entry into service preparation for these efficient aircraft that will replace our Boeing 757’s. They will provide exciting opportunities and possibilities to explore new destinations as well as further support our sustainability efforts.” 

CDB Aviation leases two Airbus A330s to Thai Airways

CDB Aviation, announced this week the signing of a lease agreement for two used widebody aircraft, Airbus A330-300s, with Thai Airways, the national airline of Thailand.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Thai Airways to our growing Asian Pacific customer base,” stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “The increased widebody fleet will strengthen the carrier’s position across its key intra-Asian markets, providing the extra capacity needed to meet the high season and rising travel demand in many regions.”

The aircraft will be delivered to the carrier in September and October 2024.

“We’re continuing to see the heightened demand from airlines amidst a tight supply of new and used aircraft, driven primarily by the need to meet growing passenger volumes. Our commercial team remains focused on comprehending and fulfilling the diverse needs of our customers, assisting them in addressing both immediate and longer-term fleet challenges that necessitate resolution,” concluded Chen.

CDB Aviation Enters Into Inaugural Sustainability Linked Loan for $625 Million

CDB Aviation has confirmed it has entered into its inaugural Sustainability Linked Loan (“SLL”) on December 1, 2023, anchored with a $625 million syndicated term loan facility.

“This innovative facility marks a landmark transaction for the aviation finance space,” underscored Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to have leveraged our comprehensive sustainability strategy, with a particular focus on the activities across the Environmental and Social aspects of our operations, to secure this first major sustainability-linked loan syndicated facility among aircraft lessors.”

The SLL parameters of the facility are contingent on the satisfaction of Sustainability Performance Targets (“SPTs”), based on the lessor’s three Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”), including two strong Environmental and one Social KPIs related to:

reducing the carbon intensity of the CDB Aviation’s fleet, focusing on the most fuel-efficient aircraft;

increasing the share of new generation aircraft in the lessor’s fleet, pursuing its target to reach 60% of new generation aircraft (by number of aircraft) by the end of 2025; and

increasing the level of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”)-related training for the workforce.

Moody’s Investors provided the Second Party Opinion as to the appropriateness of the KPIs and SPTs, confirming the conformity of the facility with the Sustainability Linked Loan Principles (“SLLPs”), with a best-in-class SQS2 rating.

CDB Aviation leases fleet of six Boeing and Airbus aircraft to Hainan Airlines

CDB Aviation, has announced on the sidelines of Airline Economics’ Growth Frontiers 2023 Singapore conference the signing of lease agreements for a fleet of three new Boeing 737 MAX 8 and three Airbus A320neo aircraft with its existing Chinese airline customer, Hainan Airlines Co. Ltd.

“We are very pleased to be building on our long-standing relationship with Hainan Airlines as they position their airlines to expand into the coming decade, aiming to operate a 1,000-strong fleet by 2029,” said Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “CDB Aviation is confident that Asia will experience a robust rebound in air travel between now and the end of 2024. We are geared up to meet the demand for aircraft from Chinese and Asian carriers, with ongoing campaigns for both placements and SLBs in the region.”

“CDB Aviation has long been an important business partner to Hainan Airlines. The placement of six new generation aircraft demonstrates the confidence and determination of both parties to further our strategic cooperation,” stated Zhu Tao, President and CEO, Hainan Airlines.

The three MAX aircraft will be delivered to the carrier between August and November of next year, while the three NEO aircraft will arrive between October and November.

CDB Aviation Delivers First of Six A320neos to Air India

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited announced today the delivery of the first of a fleet of six Airbus A320neo aircraft to India’s leading global airline, Air India.

In 2022, CDB Aviation became one of the first aircraft leasing companies to secure the placement of Air India’s additional A320neo aircraft, which will support the carrier’s multi-stage transformation initiative that is being rolled out post its acquisition by the Tata group. By incorporating the A320neo aircraft into the fleet, Air India aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for India’s aviation sector.

“India is a key market for CDB Aviation, being one of the fastest growing aviation regions in the world and the second largest Asian market for new aircraft deliveries, with nearly 1,000 jets on order with Boeing and Airbus,” underscored Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our commercial team is delighted to have worked closely with Air India to address their fleet requirements with these new Airbus narrowbody aircraft from our order book. We are confident that these aircraft will play a pivotal role in Air India’s multi-stage transformation.”

CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CDB Leasing”) a 38-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. CDB Aviation is rated Investment Grade by Moody’s (A2), S&P Global (A), and Fitch (A+). China Development Bank is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China and is the world’s largest development finance institution. It is also the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation, long-term lending and bond issuance, enjoying Chinese sovereign credit rating.

CDB Aviation Leases A321NX to New European Customer AEGEAN

CDB Aviation Leases A321NX to New European Customer AEGEAN

CDB Aviation, confirmed this week the execution of a lease agreement with the flag carrier of Greece, Aegean Airlines for one Airbus A321-271NX from the lessor’s orderbook.


The Athens-based carrier is expected to take delivery of the aircraft in spring 2025 as it continues to expand in the European region by renewing its fleet and operating to new destinations, targeting to meet the robust passenger traffic levels to and from the country that are well ahead of 2019 levels.


“We’re very pleased to have established our latest customer relationship with the largest Greek airline and a leading regional carrier in Europe,” stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “This advanced, latest generation A321neo will be another well-suited member of AEGEAN’s growing fleet, providing the level of efficiency and comfort that is aligned with the carrier’s ongoing efforts to continuously improve its services and innovate to meet the evolving needs of its passengers.”


“Our partnership with CDB Aviation will help us achieve our fleet development and growth plan for the coming years,” commented Dimitris Gerogiannis, Chief Executive Officer of AEGEAN. “The latest generation A321neo provides our customers with the enhanced experience they’re looking for, while significantly reducing our environmental footprint.”

Turkish Airlines signs lease deal for 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Yesterday the Chinese Development Banks aircraft leasing subsidiary CDB Leasing confirmed the signing of lease agreements for a series of six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with Turkish Airlines for its  AnadoluJet subsidiary. 

All six aircraft are part of the lessor's existing orderbook with Boeing. They will be powered by CFM International Leap-1B engines and built with the AnadolouJet-specific configuration, which is a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines. Deliveries are set to take place in 2024 and 2025.

“We’re delighted to have signed these new lease agreements with our valued customer, Turkish Airlines, for the financing of the upcoming six 737 MAX aircraft deliveries from our orderbook,” stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “Turkish has become a leader among airlines in undertaking sustainability-focused initiatives to modernize every stage of their flight and ground operations. These highly efficient aircraft will bring Turkish closer to achieving their ambitious sustainability goals by lessening the environmental footprint of their mainline and subsidiary carrier’s flight operations.”

Levent Konukcu, Turkish Airlines Chief Investment and Technology Officer, commented: “We are proud to collaborate with partners like CDB Aviation in our pursuit of excellence. Adding these aircraft to the AnadoluJet fleet will contribute significantly to our goals and allow us to present remarkable travel experiences to our passengers."

CDB Aviation sells one Embraer E190 to African carrier Airlink

CDB Aviation has confirmed the execution of a sale and purchase agreement for one Embraer E190 aircraft with South African airline Airlink.

The aircraft, previously on lease to BA Cityflyer, was delivered to Airlink in May 2023, coinciding with the airline’s celebration of connecting Southern Africa for 31 years. The transaction was the inaugural sale of the aircraft type from CDB Aviation’s portfolio. Prior to the sale, the lessor had 20 units of the E190 in its fleet on lease to various carriers globally.

“The E190 segment is seeing a rebound amid rising interest rates and robust demand in all areas of the market as airlines recognize the potential of the 100-seat narrow-body configured aircraft for boosting the capacity of their fleets,” stated Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re pleased to have executed this first off-lease sale from our portfolio of E190s, and we trust that this aircraft, with its unique operational advantages, is a perfectly suitable aircraft type for such a major player in the South African domestic and regional market as Airlink.”

Rodger Foster, Airlink’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Airlink operates a large portfolio of E-Jets, and we are excited about the purchase of this E190 from CDB Aviation to add to our fleet. This is a good example of the E190 type as it has an impeccable pedigree having been maintained by BA Cityflyer and is eligible for immediate induction into service. The E-Jet type is the right fit for most of the markets within Airlink’s expanding intra-African network, enabling the delivery of appropriate frequency of service and availability that accords with market demand at the right time of the day. Our customers simply love the value proposition of the double two-abreast seating configuration.”

T’way Air signs lease deals for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

South Korean carrier signs deal with CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. has signed a deal to lease two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to the fledgling South Korean carrier, T’way Air.

These jets come from CDB Aviation's existing order book with Boeing and are scheduled to be delivered between January and November 2024.

“We’re pleased to be strengthening our relationship with T’way, one of the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in South Korea, with this transaction for two MAX aircraft. Our commercial team continues to be focused on expanding our reach in the region, working collaboratively with carriers to support their immediate and longer-term fleet needs,” commented CDB Aviation Chief Marketing Officer Peter Goodman.

T’way commenced service with the 737 MAX 8 in January 2023 upon inducting its first aircraft of the type in December 2022, which was configured with 189 single-class economy seats. The carrier currently operates the MAX on multiple international routes, connecting Incheon with the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. According to T'way, the extended range of the MAX will enable it to fly to farther-off locations such as Indonesia, and Central Asia.

China’s first Airbus A330 P2F delivered to Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines has taken delivery of China's first Airbus A330-300 Passenger to Freighter converted aircraft.  The cargo jet is on long-term lease from CDB Aviation and was converted by Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH with Shanghai Technologies Aerospace Company Limited at its facilities in Shanghai Pudong, concluding EFW’s first-ever A330 P2F conversion to have taken place in China.

“This re-delivery marks a significant milestone for Sichuan Airlines and China as we see the outcome of intense work and collaboration resulting in the arrival of the country’s very first A330 P2F,” asserted Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to the Sichuan Airlines team for trusting CDB Aviation to be a partner in supporting their innovative fleet strategy and for becoming our first A330 P2F customer in China. This aircraft will be a superb addition to their fleet as the airline continues to serve the country’s rapidly expanding air cargo market.”

The freighter, equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, was delivered to Sichuan Airlines on May 15, 2023, becoming the inaugural A330 P2F in the carrier’s fleet. In addition to the A330 P2F, CDB Aviation has two A320 aircraft on lease to the airline.

“We are very happy to build on our relationship with CDB Aviation and thank CEO Jie Chen and his team for their work and cooperation in bringing this aircraft to market,” said Zuyi Shi, Sichuan Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer. “The introduction of this A330 P2F will provide us more freighter capacity to meet the market requirement and further strengthen our development strategy in cargo business.”

CDB Aviation delivers the first of two Airbus A321NX aircraft to Volaris

Leasing giant CDB Aviation, part of the China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. has confirmed the delivery of the first of two Airbus A321neo aircraft fitted with Airbus’ Cabin Flex  (“A321NX”) to its long-standing customer, the leading Latin American airline Volaris.

This delivery is part of the lease agreements signed with the airline in 2021, which includes 13 aircraft. CDB Aviation expects to deliver the second A321NX by the end of 2023, with an additional three A321neos and two A320neos slated for delivery throughout 2023 and 2024.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating with the Volaris team this inaugural delivery of a GTF-powered A321NX from our orderbook,” said Luís da Silva, CDB Aviation’s Head of Commercial, Americas. “With the latest technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability, this aircraft is ideally suited to expand the reach of Volaris’ market-dominant domestic brand to markets in North and Latin America.”

“We appreciate the ongoing partnership with our colleagues at CDB Aviation in meeting the needs of our fleet renewal strategy that will ensure our airline’s sustainable growth in the long term,” commented Holger Blankenstein, Volaris’ Executive Vice President. “With one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets in the Americas, our team remains committed to bringing the region’s passengers the best flying experience and the most modern technology aircraft.”

MA Hong appointed as chairperson and non-executive director of CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. announced that MA Hong was appointed as Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of CDB Aviation, effective April 18, 2023.

“I feel privileged to take on this role at such an exciting time for CDB Aviation, one of the premier global leasing companies that has leveraged its increasingly prominent role in the aircraft financing ecosystem to advance its commercial growth journey,” noted Madam MA Hong, newly appointed Chairperson and Non-Executive Director of CDB Aviation. “Together with our board members and the management team, we will continue to ensure CDB Aviation’s growth strategy makes a positive impact for all stakeholders in the broader aircraft leasing community, including our customers, the OEMs and suppliers, our financial partners, and, of course, our shareholders.”

Ms. MA Hong is currently Chairwoman and Executive Director of CDB Leasing, the lessor’s parent company and the leasing business platform under China Development Bank (“CDB”). Ms. MA Hong, who joined CDB Leasing in May 2021, has served in her current chairmanship role since November 2021. She became part of CDB in March 1994, where she held various positions, including Deputy Head of CDB Planning Department, Vice President of CDB Beijing Branch as well as President of CDB Shanxi Branch and President of CDB Beijing Branch.

“The unique capabilities and resources of and continued support from our parent, CDB Leasing, have helped tremendously to propel our platform to where we are today. Ms. MA Hong’s long history of leadership and her extensive experience within CDBL and CDB, which recognize that CDB Aviation is a business in growth mode, will be critical to the next phase of our development,” concluded Jie Chen, CDB Aviation Chief Executive Officer.