Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Leases Six Airbus A321neo Jets to Loong Air by 2027
CDB Aviation and Loong Air sign lease for six fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft, supporting fleet growth and sustainability goals by 2027.
The aviation sector continues to evolve amid growing demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and strategic partnerships. One such development is the recently announced lease agreement between CDB Aviation and Loong Air for six Airbus A321neo aircraft. Scheduled for delivery in 2027, this transaction not only enhances Loong Air’s operational capabilities but also reinforces a decade-long relationship between the two entities.
Loong Air, a Hangzhou-based airline, is poised to expand its domestic and international network with the integration of these new-generation aircraft. For CDB Aviation, a global aircraft lessor backed by China Development Bank, the deal reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting airline partners with sustainable fleet solutions. The A321neo, known for its fuel efficiency and extended range, aligns with both companies’ strategic goals in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market.
This article explores the background of the two companies, the technical merits of the A321neo, the structure and implications of the lease agreement, and the broader context of aircraft leasing and sustainability trends shaping global aviation.
CDB Aviation is a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing), the leasing arm of China Development Bank. With investment-grade credit ratings from S&P Global (A), Fitch (A+), and Moody’s (A2), CDB Aviation maintains a robust financial profile. As of June 2024, it managed a fleet of 510 owned and committed aircraft, valued at $11.8 billion in net book terms, and served 85 lessees across 41 countries.
Loong Air, officially known as Zhejiang Loong Airlines Co., Ltd., was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Hangzhou. With a fleet of over 70 Airbus A320-family aircraft, the airline operates both domestic and select international routes. Its partnership with CDB Aviation spans over a decade, with multiple transactions supporting fleet modernization and capacity enhancement.
Both companies have demonstrated a shared vision for growth and sustainability. The latest lease agreement further cements their strategic alignment and mutual interest in leveraging advanced aircraft technology to meet evolving market demands.
The Airbus A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo family, offering significant improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions, and passenger comfort. It features new-generation engines, either Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM or CFM International LEAP-1A, and sharklet wingtips that contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel burn and COâ‚‚ emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft.
The aircraft typically seats between 180 and 220 passengers in a two-class configuration, with a high-density layout accommodating up to 244 passengers. In its long-range (LR) variant, the A321neo can fly up to 4,000 nautical miles, enabling airlines to operate transcontinental and regional routes efficiently. These performance metrics make the A321neo a preferred choice for airlines seeking to balance operational cost savings with environmental responsibility. Frontier Airlines, for example, reported achieving 120 miles per gallon per seat with the A321neo, the highest fuel efficiency among U.S. carriers.
“The A321neo’s superior economics and passenger comfort align perfectly with Loong Air’s vision of expanding its domestic, international, and regional network.”, Jie Chen, CEO of CDB Aviation
Beyond its technical efficiency, the A321neo also delivers enhanced passenger experience through Airbus’s Airspace cabin design. This includes slimmer sidewall panels for increased shoulder space, larger overhead bins, and full LED ambient lighting that improves cabin aesthetics and comfort.
The aircraft’s flexible cabin configuration allows airlines to tailor layouts for various market needs. Delta Air Lines, for instance, operates A321neos with a 194-seat configuration, offering lie-flat business-class seats, Wi-Fi connectivity, and in-seat power outlets, features that appeal to both business and leisure travelers.
Such flexibility is particularly valuable for carriers like Loong Air, which operates across diverse route profiles. The A321neo’s cabin innovations support Loong Air’s goal of elevating passenger experience while maintaining operational efficiency.
The lease agreement was signed on July 17, 2025, at Loong Air’s headquarters in Hangzhou. It covers the delivery of six Airbus A321neo aircraft from CDB Aviation’s existing orderbook, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. This transaction marks a continuation of the longstanding partnership between the two companies.
According to the official announcement, the A321neos will support Loong Air’s expansion into new domestic, regional, and international markets. The aircraft’s range and efficiency make it well-suited for high-demand routes, particularly in China’s growing secondary cities and regional hubs.
Qihong Liu, Chairman of Loong Air, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal: “The A321neo’s enhanced performance and cabin flexibility will allow us to offer an elevated travel experience to our passengers, while supporting our long-term sustainability objectives.”
The global aircraft leasing industry plays a critical role in enabling airlines to modernize fleets without incurring the high capital costs of direct purchases. Leasing also provides flexibility in fleet management, allowing carriers to adjust capacity in response to market fluctuations. China’s aircraft leasing market is among the fastest-growing globally, driven by rising air travel demand and government support. CDB Aviation, backed by China Development Bank, benefits from favorable regulatory frameworks and financial stability, positioning it as a key player in this expanding market.
Sustainability is another major driver of fleet renewal. Airlines are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, and aircraft like the A321neo offer a practical solution. The model is compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends up to 50%, further enhancing its environmental credentials.
The narrowbody aircraft segment, particularly the A321neo, is experiencing strong demand. As of June 2025, Airbus had received over 7,000 orders for the A321neo, with more than 1,700 deliveries completed. Its popularity is attributed to its balance of range, capacity, and cost-efficiency.
In parallel, the global aircraft leasing market is projected to grow significantly. Valued at $183.13 billion in 2024, it is expected to reach $397.21 billion by 2034. This growth is underpinned by trends such as fleet modernization, emerging market expansion, and the shift toward asset-light business models.
For lessors like CDB Aviation, these trends present opportunities to expand portfolios and deepen relationships with airline partners. For airlines, leasing provides a pathway to adopt next-generation aircraft without compromising financial flexibility.
The lease agreement between CDB Aviation and Loong Air for six A321neo aircraft highlights a confluence of strategic planning, technological advancement, and sustainability priorities. It underscores the value of long-term partnerships in navigating the complexities of modern aviation.
As the industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, such transactions set a benchmark for future fleet strategies. They reflect a broader shift toward environmentally responsible, economically viable, and operationally flexible aviation solutions.
What is the A321neo? When will Loong Air receive the aircraft? Why is leasing aircraft beneficial for airlines? CDB Aviation, Airbus, Fitch Ratings, S&P Global, Moody’s, Planespotters, IATA
CDB Aviation and Loong Air Execute Lease Agreements for Six New A321neo Aircraft
Background: CDB Aviation and Loong Air
The Airbus A321neo: Technical and Operational Advantages
Cabin Design and Passenger Experience
Lease Agreement Structure and Strategic Implications
Industry Context: Aircraft Leasing and Sustainability Trends
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
The Airbus A321neo is a fuel-efficient, narrowbody aircraft offering extended range and modern cabin features. It is part of the A320neo family.
The six A321neo aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Leasing allows airlines to modernize fleets without large upfront costs and provides flexibility to adjust capacity as market conditions change.
Sources
Photo Credit: JetPhoto
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BOC Aviation and Philippine Airlines Finalize Airbus A350-1000 Deal
BOC Aviation and Philippine Airlines agree on leaseback deal for two Airbus A350-1000s to support PAL’s fleet modernization and long-haul routes.
This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.
BOC Aviation Limited has officially announced a significant purchase-and-leaseback agreement with Philippine Airlines (PAL) involving two Airbus A350-1000 Commercial-Aircraft. According to the company’s statement released on December 4, 2025, this Contracts marks a dual milestone, it welcomes PAL as a new customer to the lessor’s portfolio and represents the first-ever addition of the A350-1000 model to the BOC Aviation fleet.
The agreement secures the immediate future of PAL’s long-haul capabilities, with the first aircraft scheduled for Delivery in December 2025. As the aviation industry continues to navigate a competitive landscape for wide-body assets, this deal underscores the strategic reliance on lessors to facilitate fleet modernization and capacity expansion.
The deal is structured as a purchase-and-leaseback transaction, a financial mechanism where BOC Aviation purchases the aircraft and immediately leases them back to the Airlines. This allows Philippine Airlines to maintain liquidity while securing essential assets for its premier routes.
According to details released regarding the agreement, the two Airbus A350-1000s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The aircraft are expected to feature a high-density, premium tri-class configuration designed to accommodate 382 passengers. The layout includes:
Steven Townend, CEO and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, highlighted the significance of the transaction in the official release:
“We are delighted to welcome PAL as a new customer. This is our first A350-1000 delivery and underscores our commitment to supporting the industry’s development with latest-technology aircraft. As a global aircraft operating lessor… our financial strength and orderbook allow us to support the growth of our airline customers with both capital and capacity.”
For Philippine Airlines, the acquisition of the A350-1000 is a critical component of its “Fleet Modernization” strategy. The airline aims to operate one of the youngest fleets in Asia, replacing older Boeing 777-300ERs with more fuel-efficient alternatives. The A350-1000 is currently the only aircraft in PAL’s inventory capable of operating non-stop on its longest transpacific routes, specifically Manila to New York (JFK) and Manila to Toronto, without payload restrictions.
Richard Nuttall, President and COO of Philippine Airlines, commented on the operational benefits of the new airframes:
“The addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet marks a pivotal step in Philippine Airlines’ ongoing fleet modernization program. This investment not only aligns with our commitment to operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the region, but also ensures we can deliver world-class comfort, reliability, and efficiency to our passengers.”
This transaction occurs against the backdrop of a tightened wide-body market in late 2025. Industry data indicates a persistent shortage of twin-aisle aircraft driven by manufacturing delays and a robust resurgence in long-haul international travel. Consequently, lease rates have risen, and securing delivery slots has become increasingly competitive. By securing these assets through BOC Aviation, PAL bypasses potential delivery backlogs that might affect direct orders. Furthermore, the deal highlights BOC Aviation’s substantial market position. As of September 30, 2025, the lessor reported a total portfolio of 812 aircraft owned, managed, and on order, demonstrating the liquidity required to execute large-scale capital deployments during periods of high demand.
According to the press release, the first Airbus A350-1000 is scheduled for delivery in December 2025.
While specific scheduling is subject to change, the aircraft are intended for PAL’s premier long-haul routes to North America, including non-stop services from Manila to New York and Toronto.
The aircraft will be configured with a premium tri-class layout totaling 382 seats.
BOC Aviation and Philippine Airlines Seal Landmark Deal for Two Airbus A350-1000s
Transaction Details and Aircraft Specifications
Strategic Implications for Philippine Airlines
AirPro News Analysis: The Wide-Body Market Context
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Philippine Airlines receive the new aircraft?
What routes will these aircraft fly?
How many passengers can the new A350-1000 carry?
Sources
Photo Credit: BOC Aviation
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Kazakhstan Signs Airbus Deal for 50 A320neo Jets and Training Center
Kazakhstan and Airbus agree on 50 A320neo jets order and a regional training hub, enhancing fleet and local aviation expertise.
This article is based on an official press release from the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport.
In a significant move to modernize its national aviation infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan has signed a strategic agreement with European aerospace giant Airbus. The deal, finalized during the Kazakhstan-France Business Council meeting in Paris on December 5-6, 2025, outlines the acquisition of up to 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft and the establishment of a certified regional training center in Kazakhstan.
According to the Civil Aviation Committee (CAA) of Kazakhstan, the agreement was signed by Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastaev and Airbus Vice President for Euro-Asia Charbel Youzkatli. The signing occurred within the framework of the 16th Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, underscoring the deepening diplomatic and industrial ties between Astana and Paris.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) serves as a formal government-backed framework to support the fleet expansion of the Air Astana Group, which includes the national flag carrier Air Astana and the low-cost operator FlyArystan. Beyond the hardware, the agreement places a heavy emphasis on localizing aviation expertise through new training and maintenance facilities.
The core of the agreement involves a substantial commitment to the Airbus A320neo family, a narrow-body aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and operational range. The Ministry of Transport has confirmed the structure of the deal includes both firm Orders and options.
As outlined in the official announcement, the agreement covers a total potential of 50 aircraft:
Deliveries are currently scheduled to commence in 2031. However, the CAA noted that both parties are actively discussing mechanisms to accelerate this timeline. The 2031 slot likely reflects the current global backlog in aerospace manufacturing, prompting the Kazakh government to intervene diplomatically to secure earlier slots to meet pressing demand.
“The parties discussed the supply of A320neo aircraft… [and] the possibility of accelerating deliveries.”
, Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan
This procurement aligns with the Air Astana Group’s broader Strategy to expand its fleet to 80 units by 2028, with continued growth projected into the next decade. A pivotal component of this agreement is the shift from a purely transactional relationship to a strategic industrial partnership. The Ministry of Transport emphasized that the deal includes the creation of a “certified regional Training center” within Kazakhstan.
The proposed training center aims to prepare pilots and technical personnel domestically, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign training facilities. By establishing this infrastructure, Kazakhstan intends to position itself as a regional aviation hub for Central Asia, offering certified training standards that meet European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.
In addition to training, the talks in Paris covered the establishment of a maintenance and repair organization (MRO) base in Kazakhstan. This builds upon discussions initiated in July 2025 regarding a service center capable of handling both civil and state aviation needs. The parties also explored efficient leasing mechanisms to finance the incoming fleet, ensuring the financial sustainability of the expansion.
The diplomatic meetings in Paris also yielded agreements on expanding air connectivity between Kazakhstan and France. Officials discussed the resumption of direct flights between the capitals, Astana and Paris. Furthermore, a new route connecting Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, to Nice, France, is under consideration.
These route expansions are supported by the recent resolution of technical issues. The CAA confirmed that as of December 1, 2025, all A320 family aircraft in Kazakhstan affected by a November EASA directive regarding elevator control unit software had been successfully updated and returned to service.
Supply Chain Realities vs. Ambition: The 2031 delivery start date highlights the severe constraints currently facing the global aerospace supply chain. While the order for 50 jets is robust, the six-year lead time suggests that Air Astana may need to rely on the leasing market or lease extensions to bridge the gap between its 2028 growth targets and the arrival of these factory-fresh units.
Strategic Autonomy: The establishment of a domestic training center is arguably as significant as the aircraft order itself. Currently, many Central Asian carriers must send crews to Europe or the Middle East for simulator training. By localizing this capability, Kazakhstan not only retains capital within its economy but also strengthens its soft power in the region by potentially offering training services to neighboring nations.
When will the new Airbus aircraft arrive in Kazakhstan? What specific aircraft were ordered? Does this agreement affect FlyArystan?
Kazakhstan Signs Strategic Agreement with Airbus for 50 A320neo Jets and Regional Training Hub
Details of the Aircraft Acquisition
Order Structure and Delivery Timeline
Industrial Cooperation: Training and Maintenance
Localization of Expertise
MRO and Leasing
Route Expansion and Connectivity
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Official deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, though the government is negotiating to accelerate this timeline.
The agreement covers the Airbus A320neo family. While the specific breakdown between A320neo and A321neo variants was not detailed in the initial release, Air Astana currently operates both types.
Yes. As part of the Air Astana Group, the low-cost carrier FlyArystan utilizes an all-Airbus A320 fleet and will likely be a beneficiary of the fleet modernization program.
Sources
Photo Credit: Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Vietjet Expands Fleet with 22 New Aircraft by Year-End 2025
Vietjet adds 22 aircraft including Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC models to boost capacity for Lunar New Year and international expansion.
This article is based on an official press release from Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company and supplementary industry research.
Vietjet has officially launched the most significant fleet expansion in its operating history, receiving a total of 22 new Commercial-Aircraft during the 2025 year-end festive season. According to the airline’s latest announcement, this strategic influx of capacity is designed to meet surging travel demand for Christmas and the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, while simultaneously supporting a broader international network growth strategy.
The delivery of these aircraft comes at a critical time for the global aviation industry, which continues to grapple with severe supply chain disruptions and delivery delays from major Manufacturers. By securing 22 aircraft in a condensed timeframe, Vietjet aims to bolster its operational resilience and capture market share during the peak holiday travel window.
The 22-aircraft addition comprises a mix of direct manufacturer deliveries and strategic wet leases, diversified across Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC models. This diversification allows the airline to serve high-density trunk routes, international connections, and niche island destinations effectively.
A significant portion of the expansion involves seven new Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) aircraft. These units are intended to serve as the backbone of Vietjet’s Vietnam-based operations. On December 4, 2025, the Airlines welcomed the latest of these jets, registered as VN-A580, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
According to Vietjet, the A321neo ACF configuration offers up to 240 seats and provides substantial environmental benefits, including at least 16% fuel savings, up to 75% noise reduction, and 50% fewer emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.
In a major milestone for its subsidiary operations, Vietjet has integrated nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the Vietjet Thailand fleet. The first of these, registered HS-VZA, arrived in Bangkok on November 23, 2025. This delivery marks the commencement of Vietjet’s historic order for 200 Boeing aircraft.
These aircraft are initially slated for the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route, with plans to expand into international service connecting Bangkok to Cam Ranh, Vietnam, later in December 2025. To address immediate peak season capacity needs, the airline has also secured four wet-leased aircraft, likely Airbus A320s based on historical partnership patterns with providers such as Freebird Airlines. These “wet leases” include aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, allowing for immediate deployment.
Additionally, industry reports indicate the inclusion of two COMAC C909 (formerly ARJ21) aircraft, wet-leased from Chengdu Airlines. These specialized regional jets are deployed specifically for routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, an island destination with runway limitations that restrict larger jet operations.
Vietjet’s ability to secure such a large volume of aircraft amidst a global shortage is a focal point of their current operational narrative. The airline emphasizes that this move is not merely about holiday capacity but about long-term positioning in the Asian market.
“In a global context of aircraft shortages and disrupted supply chains… Vietjet’s ability to receive 22 modern aircraft in less than one month strongly affirms its reputation, strong financial capacity, and standing in the international market.”
, Vietjet Press Statement, December 5, 2025
From our perspective at AirPro News, this expansion highlights a divergence between Vietjet and many of its regional competitors who are currently scaling back due to engine recalls and delivery delays. By leveraging a mixed fleet strategy, utilizing both Airbus and Boeing, alongside wet leases, Vietjet is effectively hedging against single-source supply chain risks.
Financially, the market appears to be responding positively to this aggressive growth. Market data indicates that Vietjet Aviation JSC (VJC) stock is trading strongly, hovering around 207,500 VND as of early December 2025. With reported revenues of approximately $2 billion USD in the first nine months of 2024, the carrier has the capital required to sustain these leases and acquisitions. The move to secure capacity now positions them to maximize yields during the Tet 2026 period, where demand typically outstrips supply.
The new fleet will immediately support the airline’s Lunar New Year schedule. Vietjet has opened sales for approximately 2.5 million tickets for the Tet 2026 travel period (January–February). The additional capacity will allow for increased frequencies on key domestic trunk routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.
Internationally, the expansion supports new routes targeting North Asia and Oceania. Beyond the new Bangkok–Cam Ranh service, the airline is progressing with plans for routes to Japan, South Korea, and a long-haul connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland, New Zealand, utilizing its wide-body A330 fleet.
Vietjet Secures 22 New Aircraft in Historic Year-End Fleet Expansion
Breakdown of the Fleet Expansion
Airbus A321neo ACF: The Core Growth
Boeing 737-8 (MAX) for Vietjet Thailand
Strategic Wet Leases and Niche Operations
Operational Strategy and Market Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Route Expansion and Holiday Readiness
Sources
Photo Credit: Vietjet
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