CDB Aviation places new Airbus order | News | Airfinance Global

CDB Aviation places new Airbus order


Chinese lessor CDB Aviation has signed a new order with Airbus for 80 A320neo-family aircraft, confirming Airfinance Global reporting from earlier this summer indicating that an order was in the making.

Deliveries of the 80 A320neo-family aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2030, CDB Aviation parent, CDB Leasing, said.

CDB Aviation had previously placed direct orders with Airbus for 92 A320neo-family aircraft, with 52 of those aircraft delivered through 31 July 2024, according to OEM data.

Jie Chen-led CDB Aviation had a total portfolio of 380 aircraft, consisting of 296 owned aircraft, and 84 committed aircraft, across 71 lessees in 38 countries, as of 30 June 2024.

CDB Leasing’s aircraft lease operating income improved 14.3% year on year in the six months to 30 June 2024, to RMB4.2 billion ($591 million).

Earlier this week, Airfinance Global exclusively reported that CDB Aviation had acquired two A320neo aircraft, from SMBC Aviation Capital, attached to HK Express, the Cathay Pacific low-cost carrier.

CDB Aviation became a new HK Express lessor following the transaction.

On 11 September 2024, AFG further revealed that CDB Aviation had appointed James Casey as its next chief financial officer, replacing Brendan O’Neill, effective at the end of September, according to several people briefed on the matter.

A newcomer to the aviation industry, Casey most recently served as CFO of Gulf Cryo in the UAE, where he managed a business of 1,200 employees across 10 countries, according to Airfinance Global’s research.

He has experience in senior international finance roles across Europe and the Middle East, leading commercially focused finance functions and supporting business growth.


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