CDB Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing (CDB Leasing) in Ireland, has reported strong operating performance and significant management improvements in 2024.
Last year, CDB Aviation completed 70 aircraft transactions, reflecting the strong momentum of its expanding international platform.
2024 Operational Highlights:
✈ Signed 36 contracts covering 70 aircraft transactions, including leases, lease extensions, sale-and-leaseback agreements, acquisitions, and transfers;
✈ Ordered 130 new narrow-body aircraft;
✈ Added 9 new airline customers to its portfolio; and
✈ Raised USD8.28 billion in financing.
Chen Jie, CEO of CDB Aviation, commented, “CDB Aviation demonstrated strong momentum over the past year, underpinned by steady growth and robust business performance. We’ve achieved important milestones in enhancing operational efficiency and cost management. These efforts are the cornerstone of our sustainable profitability and are crucial to realizing our vision of becoming a leading global leasing platform—anchored in strong customer relationships and shareholder support.”
CDB Aviation’s unwavering commitment to putting customers first has contributed to a record-high customer base. As of the end of last year, it operated a fleet of 521 aircraft, including both owned and on-order aircraft. Among them, 307 aircraft were on operating leases and four were on financial leases, serving 71 airlines across 38 countries and regions. Furthermore, all new aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025 have already been placed with customers, while 90% of the 2026 deliveries have also secured commitments.
In 2024, CDB Aviation ordered 130 narrow-body aircraft from leading manufacturers, solidifying its position as one of the world’s top lessors with one of the largest aircraft order books. Mr. Chen added, “These orders not only strengthen CDB Aviation’s market position but also demonstrate our shareholders’ confidence in the company’s ability to deliver results.” In addition to the aforementioned aircraft orders, CDB Leasing also signed a letter of intent with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) for 70 aircraft, including 20 C909 and 50 C919 models.
CDB Aviation believes that new entrants in aircraft manufacturing benefit the aviation sector by increasing aircraft supply and encouraging established manufacturers to innovate their product lines. As a global leasing company, CDB Aviation understands that the expansion of the aircraft manufacturing industry fosters innovation, drives technological progress, and intensifies competition. The development of the C919 model, in particular, presents COMAC with a distinct opportunity to become a prominent global competitor. The successful execution of COMAC’s high-potential aircraft projects will critically depend on its ability to cultivate a diverse international customer base, provide comprehensive after-sales support, and maintain a resilient supply chain.
In 2024, CDB Aviation successfully completed two sustainability-linked financing transactions totaling USD1.2 billion, bringing its total to USD1.8 billion. These transactions have earned CDB Aviation numerous accolades, including the Sustainability Aviation Debt Deal of the Year and Sustainability Aircraft Lessor of the Year from Airline Economics in 2024.
CDB Aviation enhanced operational efficiency and productivity across all levels in 2024 by improving management practices and promoting effective collaboration, resulting in faster, more effective decision-making and strong performance outcomes.
Mr. Chen concluded, “Moving ahead, our customers will remain our top priority. This focus will be backed by a strong commitment to operational efficiency. I want to thank our team for being fully engaged and supportive of the transformation of our operating model. I am confident that CDB Aviation will sustain its positive momentum, driven by the strong support of our shareholder CDB Leasing and our commitment to innovation.”
