Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
COMAC C909 Launch in Laos Boosts China’s Aviation Ambitions
COMAC’s first C909 delivery to Lao Airlines marks China’s strategic expansion into Southeast Asia’s growing aviation market, challenging Western manufacturers.
The delivery of COMAC’s first C909 aircraft to Lao Airlines marks a pivotal moment in China’s aviation ambitions. As the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China expands beyond domestic markets, this milestone demonstrates growing international confidence in Chinese-made aircraft. With 162 C909s already operational globally, the Lao Airlines deal represents COMAC’s strategic push into Southeast Asia – a region experiencing 7.2% annual growth in air travel demand according to IATA forecasts.
This transaction carries symbolic and practical significance. For Laos, a country with limited aviation infrastructure, the 90-seat turbofan jet offers improved regional connectivity. For COMAC, it represents a breakthrough in a market traditionally dominated by Airbus and Boeing. The customized Laotian livery featuring the Champa flower underscores COMAC’s commitment to local partnerships, while the aircraft’s short-runway capabilities address Southeast Asia’s unique operational challenges.
The C909 (formerly ARJ21) combines proven design elements with modern engineering. Its double-bubble fuselage, inspired by the McDonnell-Douglas MD-80 series, provides enhanced cargo capacity while maintaining fuel efficiency. Powered by General Electric CF34-10A engines, the aircraft achieves a 2,225-3,700 km range – sufficient for regional routes like Vientiane to Bangkok (640 km) or Hanoi (780 km).
COMAC’s focus on operational adaptability shows in the C909’s performance metrics. The jet can operate in temperatures up to 45°C with minimal performance degradation, crucial for Southeast Asian climates. Its 1,800-meter takeoff distance enables access to Laos’ shorter runways, including Luang Prabang International Airport’s 2,200-meter strip. These features position it as ideal for developing aviation markets.
Maintenance support forms a key part of the deal. COMAC has deployed technical teams to assist with crew training and establish local MRO capabilities. This comprehensive approach mirrors strategies used by Airbus and Boeing to build operator confidence in new aircraft types.
“The C909’s certification by Laos’ aviation authority signals a shift in global aviation dynamics. We’re witnessing emerging markets embrace alternatives to Western manufacturers,” notes aviation analyst Li Wei.
Southeast Asia’s aviation sector presents unique opportunities. With 45% of the region’s 655 million population under 30, demand for affordable air travel continues rising. The C909’s operating costs are 15-20% lower than comparable Western jets according to COMAC data, making it attractive for cost-conscious carriers. Lao Airlines plans to deploy the aircraft on routes to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Southern China.
COMAC’s success in Laos follows earlier Southeast Asian deals, including Indonesia’s TransNusa operating three C909s since 2022. The manufacturer recently secured a 30-aircraft order from Brunei’s GallopAir, suggesting a growing regional foothold. However, challenges remain – Vietnam continues to withhold certification for Chinese aircraft due to ongoing territorial disputes. The geopolitical dimension cannot be ignored. As China’s Belt and Road Initiative expands, aviation partnerships become soft power tools. The Lao deal includes technology transfer agreements and joint training programs, creating long-term dependencies that could influence future fleet decisions.
COMAC’s international deliveries now account for 18% of total C909 production, up from 5% in 2022. The company aims to capture 10% of the global regional jet market by 2030. Success in Laos provides a blueprint for entering other developing markets, particularly in Africa and Central Asia where Chinese infrastructure investments are concentrated.
However, Western manufacturers aren’t standing idle. Airbus recently announced a 50% production increase for its A220 regional jet, while Embraer unveiled new E2-series efficiency improvements. The C909’s true test will come as it competes head-to-head with these established models on reliability and lifecycle costs.
The Lao Airlines delivery represents more than a single aircraft transaction – it’s a milestone in China’s aviation ascendancy. By addressing specific regional needs through customized solutions and support packages, COMAC is carving a niche in markets underserved by traditional manufacturers. The C909’s operational flexibility and competitive pricing make it particularly suited to developing economies.
Looking ahead, COMAC’s ability to secure European and North American certifications will determine its global impact. With the C919 narrowbody entering service and a proposed C939 widebody in development, China’s aviation ambitions appear set to reshape industry dynamics. As Southeast Asian carriers modernize their fleets, the choice between Western and Chinese aircraft will increasingly define regional aviation’s future.
Question: How does the C909 compare to similar regional jets? Question: What routes will Lao Airlines operate with the C909? Question: Does COMAC plan to develop larger aircraft? Sources:
COMAC’s Strategic Leap into Southeast Asia
Technical Prowess of the C909
Regional Aviation Market Dynamics
Future of Chinese Aviation Exports
Conclusion
FAQ
Answer: The C909 offers comparable range to Embraer E190 jets but with 12% lower fuel burn thanks to its modern aerodynamic design.
Answer: Initial routes include Vientiane to Hanoi, Bangkok, and Kunming, with plans for domestic Lao services.
Answer: Yes, the 158-seat C919 entered service in 2023, and a 250-seat C939 is under development for 2030s deployment.
AviTrader,
Bangkok Post,
Aircraft Recognition Guide
Photo Credit: cdn.i-scmp.com
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BOC Aviation Renews $3.5B Credit Facility with Bank of China to 2031
BOC Aviation extends its $3.5 billion revolving credit facility with Bank of China to 2031, securing liquidity for aircraft investments and growth.
This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.
BOC Aviation Limited has officially announced the renewal of its US$3.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF) with its majority shareholder, the Bank of China. Confirmed on February 16, 2026, the transaction extends the maturity of the facility to February 13, 2031, providing the Singapore-based lessor with a five-year horizon of secured liquidity.
The renewal maintains the facility’s total value at the same level established during its 2020 expansion. According to the company, this move is designed to bolster financial flexibility and ensure consistent access to capital for aircraft investments, regardless of broader market cycles. The agreement underscores the continued financial backing BOC Aviation receives from its parent company, a critical differentiator in the competitive aircraft leasing sector.
The renewed agreement is an unsecured revolving credit facility, a structure that allows BOC Aviation to draw down, repay, and re-borrow funds as needed up to the US$3.5 billion limit. By extending the maturity date to 2031, the lessor secures a long-term funding runway to support its growth strategy.
Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, emphasized the strategic importance of this renewal in a statement released by the company. He highlighted the alignment between the lessor and its parent organization.
“This RCF extension reflects the confidence that Bank of China has in the future of our business and underscores the depth of our relationship with our major shareholder. The facility strengthens our financial flexibility and ensures our access to ample liquidity to support our aircraft investments across the cycle.”
, Steven Townend, CEO of BOC Aviation
The credit facility has grown significantly alongside BOC Aviation’s fleet over the last two decades. The company provided a timeline of the facility’s evolution, illustrating the increasing scale of support from the Bank of China:
This liquidity event occurs against a backdrop of significant operational activity for the lessor. As of December 31, 2025, BOC Aviation reported a total portfolio of 815 aircraft and engines, including owned, managed, and ordered assets. The company’s reach extends to 87 airlines across 46 countries and regions.
Data released regarding the full year 2025 indicates robust activity, with the company taking delivery of 51 new aircraft and executing a record 333 transactions. These transactions included 160 aircraft purchase commitments, signaling an aggressive growth posture that necessitates substantial available capital. In addition to the RCF renewal, BOC Aviation has recently moved to diversify its funding sources. In early February 2026, the company successfully priced US$500 million in senior unsecured notes. The combination of these notes and the renewed RCF provides a multi-layered capital structure to fund future acquisitions.
The renewal of this facility highlights a structural advantage for BOC Aviation compared to independent lessors. In a high-interest-rate environment or during periods of market volatility, the cost of funds is a primary determinant of a lessor’s profitability. The direct backing of a major state-owned bank allows BOC Aviation to secure large-scale liquidity that might be more expensive or difficult to arrange for competitors without similar parentage.
Furthermore, with supply chain constraints continuing to affect Airbus and Boeing deliveries in 2026, lessors with ready cash are better positioned to execute sale-and-leaseback (SLB) transactions with airlines desperate for liquidity. By locking in US$3.5 billion in revolving credit through 2031, BOC Aviation is effectively positioning itself to act as a liquidity provider to the airline industry, potentially acquiring assets at attractive valuations while manufacturers struggle to meet delivery targets.
BOC Aviation Secures US$3.5 Billion Facility Renewal with Bank of China
Transaction Details and Management Commentary
Historical Evolution of the Facility
Operational Context and Financial Position
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: BOC Aviation
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Air Astana Orders 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Expand US Routes
Air Astana finalizes $7B order for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to modernize its fleet and enable direct flights to North America starting 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Air Astana.
On February 17, 2026, Air Astana JSC, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, officially finalized a major agreement with Boeing for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The deal, announced in Seattle, marks the largest single aircraft purchase in the airline’s history and signals a pivotal shift in its long-haul strategy. Valued at approximately $7 billion at list prices, the agreement is designed to modernize the carrier’s widebody fleet and facilitate direct operations to North America.
The acquisition comes at a critical transition point for the Airlines, coinciding with a leadership change and following its recent IPO. According to the official announcement, the new fleet will replace aging Boeing 767s and provide the range necessary to navigate complex geopolitical airspace restrictions while connecting Central Asia to the United States.
The agreement creates a long-term pipeline for fleet renewal. According to details released regarding the Contracts, the order for 15 aircraft is structured in three tiers:
While the newly purchased jets are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2035, Air Astana will begin operating the Dreamliner much sooner. Through a separate agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), three leased Boeing 787-9s are expected to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2026. These leased units will allow the carrier to begin pilot training and route expansion immediately, bridging the gap until the direct orders arrive.
The selection of the 787-9 variant represents a significant upgrade in capacity and efficiency over Air Astana’s current widebody workhorse, the Boeing 767-300ER. Data provided in the announcement indicates the new Dreamliners will feature a two-class configuration with 303 seats, a substantial increase from the 223 seats offered on the 767s.
In a notable strategic pivot, Air Astana has selected General Electric GEnx-1B engines to power the new fleet, moving away from a 2012 intention to utilize Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The airline cites the 787-9’s superior fuel efficiency and range, approximately 7,530 nautical miles, as critical factors in the decision.
“Boeing airplanes have been integral to Air Astana’s operations from the beginning. We are proud that the 787 Dreamliner will support Central Asia’s growing importance in global aviation.”
, Paul Righi, VP of Commercial Sales (Eurasia), Boeing
A primary driver behind this investment is the airline’s ambition to launch non-stop service from Kazakhstan to New York (JFK). This route has long been a strategic goal but faces significant logistical hurdles due to the closure of Russian airspace following geopolitical sanctions. The current geopolitical climate necessitates a southern route over the Caspian Sea, Turkey, and Europe, adding considerable distance to the flight path. The extended range of the Boeing 787-9 is essential to making this detour commercially and operationally viable, allowing Air Astana to bypass Russian airspace without sacrificing payload or requiring technical stops.
The timing of this order suggests Air Astana is aggressively positioning itself as the dominant connector in the Central Asian market, outpacing regional competitors like Uzbekistan Airways. By securing the 787-9, the airline is not only solving the immediate problem of airspace restrictions but is also future-proofing its fleet against fuel price volatility. The shift to GE engines likely reflects a desire for reliability on these ultra-long-haul routes, where engine performance over remote regions is paramount.
The finalization of this order serves as a capstone achievement for outgoing CEO Peter Foster, who is set to retire in March 2026. Foster has led the airline through its recent IPO and this historic fleet renewal. He will be succeeded by current CFO Ibrahim Canliel, who will oversee the financial integration of these assets.
“The 787-9’s advanced technology and efficiency will allow us to connect Kazakhstan to new markets, including North America, with a superior passenger experience.”
, Peter Foster, Outgoing CEO, Air Astana
Sources: Boeing Mediaroom
Air Astana Finalizes Historic Orders for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Target US Routes
Deal Structure and Delivery Timeline
Technical Specifications and Fleet Modernization
Strategic Expansion: The “Holy Grail” of New York
AirPro News Analysis
Leadership Transition
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BlueFive Capital Launches Aircraft Leasing Platform in Oman Targeting $1B Fund
BlueFive Capital launches BlueFive Leasing in Muscat, Oman, aiming to raise over $1 billion to acquire commercial aircraft assets across Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
This article is based on an official press release from BlueFive Capital.
BlueFive Capital, a global alternative investment firm, has officially announced the launch of BlueFive Leasing, a new dedicated aircraft leasing and asset management platform headquartered in Muscat, Oman. The initiative marks a significant expansion for the firm, which is led by former Investcorp Co-CEO Hazem Ben-Gacem.
According to the company’s announcement, the new venture is established through a strategic partnership with a major Omani sovereign institution. To fuel its operations, BlueFive Leasing has commenced fundraising for BlueFive Wings Fund I, an investment vehicle targeting more than $1.0 billion in capital commitments to acquire commercial aircraft assets.
BlueFive Leasing aims to capitalize on the robust demand for air travel across the Middle-East, Asia, and Africa. By establishing its headquarters in Muscat, the platform aligns with broader regional goals to develop local financial markets and diversify economic activities.
The platform’s mandate is broad, covering the full age spectrum of commercial-aircraft. According to the press release, the company plans to build a portfolio containing a mix of:
This flexible approach allows BlueFive Leasing to offer competitive solutions to established airlines globally, particularly those modernizing fleets or expanding routes in high-growth emerging markets.
“The launch of BlueFive Leasing reflects our strategic ambition to diversify regional investment portfolios and provide a new source of aviation capital from the GCC.”
, Hazem Ben-Gacem, Founder & CEO of BlueFive Capital
The launch of the leasing platform follows a period of rapid growth for BlueFive Capital. Founded in late 2024, the firm has quickly scaled its operations. Following the recent close of its $3 billion Onyx Fund I, which focuses on technology investments in the U.S. and Europe, BlueFive Capital now reports approximately $7.4 billion in assets under management (AUM).
Hazem Ben-Gacem, who brings three years of leadership experience from Investcorp, serves as the driving force behind the firm. While specific executive appointments for the leasing arm’s day-to-day management have not yet been detailed, the company states it has assembled an expert management team with deep experience in aviation finance. The establishment of BlueFive Leasing represents more than just a new investment vehicle; it signals the continued maturation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a global hub for aviation finance. Historically, the region was known primarily for its world-class carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways. Today, however, Gulf nations are moving “upstream” to own the assets themselves.
BlueFive Leasing joins a growing list of regional heavyweights, including Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and Saudi Arabia’s AviLease. By partnering with an Omani sovereign institution, widely believed by industry analysts to be the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) or its Future Fund Oman, BlueFive is effectively leveraging sovereign wealth to capture value from the very assets that service the region’s booming travel hubs.
Furthermore, the decision to trade across the “full age spectrum” rather than focusing exclusively on new-technology aircraft suggests an opportunistic strategy. This approach may allow the firm to generate higher yields by trading mid-life assets, a segment where demand remains high due to production delays at major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.
BlueFive Capital Launches Aircraft Leasing Platform in Oman, Targets $1 Billion Fund
Strategic Expansion into Aviation Finance
Leadership and Capital Growth
AirPro News Analysis
Summary of Key Facts
Sources
Photo Credit: BlueFive
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