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.

Oman Air welcomes 5th Boeing 737 MAX jet

Earlier this month, Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, took delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 from CDB Aviation. The aircraft is the last in a series of five deliveries contracted as part of a sale and leaseback transaction with the global aircraft lessor, which is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing).

Designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, the 737 Max 8 is equipped with the CFM Leap 1B27 engines and configured with 12 Business and 150 Economy Class seats to support the carrier’s expanding network. Oman Air has been introducing routes throughout the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as several cities in Europe, South Asia, and Africa, in recent years and is focused on growing additional connectivity to North and South America and Australia through strategic codeshares with its partner airlines.

Eng.Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “As air travel demand continues to grow post-pandemic, Oman Air has the opportunity to expand progressively. The latest addition to our fleet will serve both domestic and short-to-medium international sectors, further extending our seamless connectivity to a growing number of destinations.”

He added, “We are glad to have CDB Aviation as our partner in growth and continue to place ourselves at the forefront of aviation technology, enhance our operational efficiency, as well as provide our guests with an exceptional on-board experience.”

CDB Aviation delivers two Boeing 737-800 to Italian carrier Neos

The leasing firm CDB Aviation, confirmed this week that it had delivered two Boeing 737-800 aircraft to a new customer, the Milan-based Neos. 

Neos, which operates services from Italy and Europe to the Americas, Asia, and Africa, plans to deploy the two aircraft, configured with 186 single class seats, on intra-European and intercontinental routes.

“We look forward to building a strong working partnership with our newest European customer in Italy, Neos,” commented Paul Boyle, CDB Aviation’s Head of Commercial, EMEA. “These two Boeing aircraft are well suited to serve the carrier’s short- and medium-haul network.”

“We are excited and proud to welcome the second aircraft leased from CDB Aviation into our fleet. These two aircraft are a perfect fit to support our strategic short-haul fleet renewal plan and commercial operations planned for 2023. We thank the CDB Aviation team who has shown a high level of commitment since the negotiation phase, and we hope that this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration,” commented Marco Brusa, Neos’ Fleet Planning Manager.

“With the accelerating pace of air passenger traffic’s recovery, Neos has the potential to seize on the nascent rebound in air travel and regional tourism,” underscored Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We are very pleased to have collaborated with the Neos team on this transaction as part of the airline’s ongoing fleet upgrade initiative. We look forward to building on our relationship and supporting their ambitious growth trajectory in the future.”

CDB Aviation Details Executive Leadership Transition

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited, announced that the Board of Directors selected Jie Chen to become the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Chen will take the helm in early January 2023, replacing Patrick Hannigan whose retirement caps six years of leading the evolution of CDB Aviation into a globally positioned top-tier lessor. The announcement is the culmination of a planned transition that will ensure a smooth leadership changeover and lay a re-energized foundation for the lessor’s next phase of growth.

“The Board and I are thrilled that Mr. Chen has elected to take on the important role of leading the exciting next stage of the platform’s development – this is an opportune moment for CDB Aviation to drive its growth momentum with the industry recovery in full swing,” commented Madam Hong Ma, Chairperson of CDB Leasing, the lessor’s shareholder. “We are highly confident that Mr. Chen will steer the organization successfully into the future, and we look forward to providing the support and resources that the talented leaders and colleagues of CDB Aviation will require to continue their efforts.”

Deploying more than three decades of exemplary aviation industry experience, Mr. Chen’s immediate focus will be on advancing collaboration with the lessor’s airline customers, shareholder, and other stakeholders to support the industry recovery while building on the team’s strong relationships and the strength of its full-service, global platform to capitalize on emergent market opportunities.

CDB Aviation Leases Six A320neos to Air India

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited, announced on the sidelines of Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Asia Pacific 2022 conference the signing of lease agreements for a fleet of six Airbus A320neo aircraft with India’s leading airline, Air India.

CDB Aviation is among the first aircraft leasing companies to secure the placement of Air India’s additional A320neo aircraft under the recently announced multi-stage transformation plan since the purchase of the airline by Tata group, which aims to increase the carrier’s fleet and help it boost both domestic and international operations. The aircraft will be delivered in the second half of 2023.

“Our commercial team is delighted to have worked closely with Air India to help solve their fleet requirements with these new Airbus narrowbody aircraft from our orderbook,” commented Ryan Barrett, CDB Aviation’s Head of Asia Pacific. “These fuel-efficient, new generation aircraft are well suited to support Air India’s fleet revitalization initiatives, positioning the airline for sustained growth and profitability.’’

Commenting on the agreement, Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, said: “This is an important agreement, which will help us to strengthen our fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft. This will boost our connectivity, especially on the short and medium-haul routes, and is an important step ahead in our transformation journey.”

“India is an increasingly important region for CDB Aviation, being the second largest Asia Pacific market for new aircraft deliveries, with nearly 1,000 Boeing and Airbus jets in its orderbook,” explained Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Our commercial team remains steadfast in its outreach efforts across Asia Pacific, leveraging our platform’s resources and scale to support the region’s airlines in restoring their networks and growing their fleets.”

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has an extensive domestic network and has spread its wings beyond to become a major international airline with a network across USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South- East Asia, Australia and the Gulf. Air India is a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022. The present management at Air India is driving the five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI to establish itself as a world-class global airline with an Indian heart. 

CDB Aviation completes deliveries of ten Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Indonesia’s Super Air Jet

 

Indonesia’s newest low-cost airline, Super Air Jet Airbus A320-200   Photo CDB Aviation

Chinese-owned leasing giant CDB Aviation, announced today the delivery of the last of ten Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Indonesia’s newest low-cost airline, Super Air Jet

The aircraft were delivered to the carrier over a period of 18 months and are meant to support the development of Super Air Jet as a leading airline supporting the growth of domestic traffic in fast-growing Indonesia as the region’s market continues to recover from the pandemic.

“We are pleased to have been part of the launch of Super Air Jet as they eye further growth in their share of Indonesia’s domestic market, expanding their low-fare route network and connecting all key regions of the country,” noted CDB Aviation Head of Commercial, Asia Pacific Ryan Barrett.

Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized that the deepening of our relationship with SAJ further advances our support for their ambitious roadmap development.

“SAJ’s growth prospects in Indonesia are very promising. Our team’s prerogative was to provide the most attractive financing terms and the right scale of leased aircraft to aptly support SAJ’s growth trajectory and low-unit cost operating model for the foreseeable future,” added Goodman.

Super Air Jet  is an Indonesian airline headquartered in Jakarta. The airline adopts a low-cost carrier model that focuses on point-to-point journeys between islands in Indonesia, with the new generation as a target market. SAJ promises high connectivity, reliability, and reasonably priced transportation over its wide route network. This is capacitated by the experience of its sponsors and management team, which are supported by an ecosystem of maintenance capabilities and aviation intelligence facilities. The airline plans to stand out as a digital pioneer and foresees the implementation of cutting-edge technology, to elevate the experiences of the next generations of flyers in Indonesia. 

Turkish Airlines introducing first Airbus A320neo.....

Turkish Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo from CDB Aviation.  “We are delighted to be leasing Turkish Airlines’ first A320neo, which will contribute toward growing and modernizing the carrier’s flight operations on both domestic and international routes,” stated Paul Boyle, CDB Aviation’s Head of Europe, the Middle East & Africa. “Introducing the A320neo marks a new step forward in the airline’s ongoing fleet modernization process.”

Levent Konukcu, Turkish Airlines’ Chief Investment and Technology Officer, commented: “As one of the world's leading airlines, supporting our successful and stable performance with new generation aircraft that we continue to include in our fleet brings us closer to our goals. We would like to thank our business partners, such as CDB Aviation, for their support in this direction.”

With the recently awarded IATA IEnvA Stage 2 certificate, which signifies the highest level of compliance with the IATA Environmental Assessment program, Turkish has become a pioneer among airlines in undertaking sustainability-focused projects for every stage of its flight and ground operations in recent years.

“With unprecedented reductions in fuel burn, emissions, and noise, the A320neo is among the most efficient and quietest aircraft for short- and medium-haul routes on the market today,” emphasized Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer. “The A320neo is well suited to support Turkish Airlines’ ambitious growth journey and contribute toward reaching its sustainability goals by lessening the environmental footprint of its flight operations.”

Corendon Airlines Europe leases a Boeing 737-800 from CDB Aviation

Leasing giant CDB Aviation confirmed today the delivery of one Boeing 737-800 to Corendon Airlines Europe, the charter subsidiary of Corendon Airlines, based in Malta.

“We are very pleased that the Corendon team have put their faith in CDB Aviation to secure the lease of this 737-800 aircraft, which will provide additional capacity throughout Corendon’s network in anticipation of the ramp-up in passenger travel during this summer season,” stated Paul Boyle, CDB Aviation’s Head of Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

Ridvan Helvaci, Technical & Lease Affairs Director of Corendon Airlines, said: “This was the very first aircraft lease cooperation made between Corendon Airlines and CDB Aviation. Working with them for the whole transaction and the delivery has been a pleasure for us and we are looking forward to enhancing our cooperation in the future.”

“Our collaboration with Corendon is of particular significance as Europe’s leisure demand is rapidly accelerating its post-pandemic recovery," underscored Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We look forward to supporting the Corendon team’s efforts to expand their route network within Europe, connecting the major European cities with the best holiday destinations.”

CDB Aviation Executes Sale and Leaseback Transaction with New Middle Eastern Customer Jazeera Airways

CDB Aviation announced this week the signing of a sale and leaseback agreement for two Airbus A320neo aircraft with a new customer in the Middle East, Kuwaiti carrier Jazeera Airways. 

The two neos will be configured with 174 economy class seats. The airline is expected to take delivery of the aircraft in September 2022.

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new customer in a new jurisdiction for our company,” pointed out Paul Boyle, CDB Aviation’s Head of Europe, the Middle East & Africa. “These aircraft will enable Jazeera to make further progress in expanding its services and capacity to serve short and medium-haul routes as it reinforces its position as one of the strongest airlines in the region.”

“Jazeera has a strong focus on growth over the coming years, and our fleet expansion plans have been greatly assisted by this new agreement with CDB Aviation,” Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways. “By taking two additional A320neos this year, we will be able to add more destinations to our network and increase frequencies on popular routes. We are pleased to be partnering with CDB Aviation to enable this important deal.”

CDB Aviation Leases Two A320neo Aircraft to Aer Lingus

CDB Aviation, a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited, has agreed to lease two Airbus A320neo aircraft to the Irish flag carrier, Aer Lingus, for delivery during this summer season. The transaction marks the introduction of the first A320neo variant in the airline’s growing fleet.

The aircraft, which are fitted with 186 seats in an all-economy layout, will be delivered to Aer Lingus in July 2022 and will become part of the backbone of its short-haul fleet, operating on routes between Ireland and European destinations.

“We are very pleased to be joining our new European customer, Aer Lingus, on their flight path toward a carbon-neutral future through the financing of their inaugural A320neos,” commented Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer. “These latest-generation aircraft will well complement Aer Lingus’ strategic investments in their future fuel-efficient, modern fleet.”

Aer Lingus is part of IAG, the first airline group worldwide to commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The group is targeting to achieve a 10% reduction in CO2 per passenger kilometre by 2025 and a 20% reduction in net emissions by 2030.

Speaking about the acquisition of two new aircraft for Aer Lingus’ short-haul fleet, Lynne Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus, said: “This is a great opportunity to bring new, state-of-the-art aircraft into our short-haul fleet. Renewing our fleet is one of the key ways for Aer Lingus to meet our sustainability targets, which is a priority for us over the coming years.”

"The new generation Airbus A320neo aircraft is much more sustainable in terms of fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and this is not only important to Aer Lingus but also to our customers. Equally, the more environmentally friendly aircraft incur lower landing charges in some key airports, so these new A320neos will help us to reduce costs,” added Embleton.

Patrick Hannigan, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer, concluded: “Our teams worked hand in hand to expediently execute this transaction as an important element of the Irish flag carrier’s recovery plan from the impact of the pandemic on air travel. The A320neo’s operating advantages will also further strengthen Aer Lingus’ leading position among European airlines in enhancing connectivity with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.”

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CDB Aviation Names Brian Dowling Chief Technical Officer

CDB Aviation Names Brian Dowling Chief Technical Officer

The Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing, CDB Aviation has announced the appointment of Brian Dowling as Chief Technical Officer.

 With a long-standing career spanning over four decades in the aircraft leasing and Airline Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (“MRO”) industries, Dowling is a highly regarded technical expert, who has handled a broad range of complex transactions, including aircraft transitions, as well as has led LOI and lease execution and has overseen relationships with global OEM and MRO organizations.

“Brian has led our technical team during this past year, exhibiting a profound understanding of our platform’s unique technical requirements,” commented Patrick Hannigan, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “It’s no easy task in any environment to gauge and respond to business requirements in this area. The notable results he and his team have achieved under his leadership leave no question as to Brian’s capabilities. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”

Dowling joined the company in 2017 as Head of Transitions and Transactions. While overseeing technical support to the airline marketing and aircraft trading functions, he also led technical operations in regional offices in Ireland, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. Prior to CDB Aviation, Dowling was Senior Vice President, Technical & Asset Management, at SMBC Aviation Capital. Previously, he was Hangar Line Manager & Senior Quality Assurance Manager with Lufthansa Technic Shannon, Aer Lingus, Dan Air, and Nigeria Airways. He started his career as Avionic Licensed Engineer at Gatwick and Dublin Airports.

Dowling is an FAA and EASA certified engineer. He earned his M.Sc. in Air Transportation Management from City University, London. He was a lecturer in CIT’s Aircraft Acquisition and Finance course and is currently teaching in the Master’s in Aviation program at Cranfield University.

“Leading our technical operations as offered me a superb challenge, especially in light of the aviation business’ cyclical nature and the pandemic’s astounding ramifications for the industry,” said Brian Dowling, CDB Aviation’s Chief Technical Officer. “I find the people aspect of my role most rewarding because my colleagues bring incredible ingenuity to every challenge. I look forward to furthering the efforts in support of leasing customers and, as importantly, the team here at CDB Aviation.”

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CDB Aviation Further Expands Relationship with Avianca

CDB Aviation has signed new lease agreements with Avianca for two Airbus A330-300 Passenger to Freighter and one A320neo aircraft.

The new agreements bring the total of CDB Aviation aircraft on lease to Colombia’s flag carrier to 8. In addition to the newly leased aircraft, the carrier is expected to take delivery of an additional five A320neos from the lessor between 2022 and 2023.

“We are very pleased to broaden our collaboration with the Avianca team through the addition of these aircraft to support their passenger and cargo businesses,” commented Luís da Silva, CDB Aviation Head of Commercial, Americas. “Both the fuel-efficient neo and P2F freighters are high-in-demand aircraft, which will help advance the airline’s strategy of equipping its fleet with environmentally sustainable, new technology aircraft, as well as supporting the growth of its cargo operations to capitalize on the booming demand for air freight within Latin America.”

Francisco Raddatz, Avianca's Vice President, Fleet, said: “We are happy to strengthen our partnership with CDB Aviation supporting our passenger and cargo fleet growth.”

Gabriel Oliva, CEO of Avianca Cargo, added: "We are pleased to announce the arrival of these aircraft to our cargo fleet. With their incorporation, we will not only offer greater capacity, but also an increasingly robust and flexible route network focused on the needs of our customers and facilitating trade between Latin America and the entire world. We reaffirm our commitment to continue boosting the economies of the region, serving as a strategic ally for our customers and the industries.”

“With an expected resurgence in demand across Latin American markets we believe the planned growth initiatives of Avianca Group are very exciting as airlines are gearing up for a recovery with more versatile fleets, which are aimed to maximize network flexibility and improve efficiency and sustainability,” underscored Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation Chief Marketing Officer. “CDB Aviation’s commercial team continues to expand outreach across key markets, pursuing aircraft transactions through placements from our order book as well as identifying opportunities in the sale and leaseback channel.”

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