This article is based on an official press release from Azorra.

Azorra Completes Sale of Two Airbus A330-300s to Xiamen Airlease

Fort Lauderdale-based aircraft lessor Azorra has officially announced the sale of two Airbus A330-300 aircraft to Xiamen Aircraft Leasing Co., Ltd. (“Xiamen Airlease”). The transaction, finalized on December 3, 2025, marks the first direct collaboration between the U.S. lessor and the Chinese mid-life asset specialist.

According to the company’s announcement, the two widebody aircraft, identified by Manufacturer Serial Numbers (MSNs) 1432 and 1579, are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. Both aircraft are currently on long-term lease to Sichuan Airlines, a major carrier based in Chengdu, China. The sale transfers the ownership of these assets to Xiamen Airlease while the aircraft remain in operational service with the airline.

This deal underscores the continued liquidity of the secondary widebody market and highlights the growing importance of cross-border partnerships in aviation finance. By selling these assets with leases attached, Azorra monetizes a portion of its portfolio while Xiamen Airlease acquires immediate revenue-generating equipment.

Transaction Overview and Asset Details

The aircraft involved in this transaction are classified as “mid-life” assets, having been manufactured approximately between 2013 and 2014. MSN 1432 was originally delivered new to Sichuan Airlines in July 2013, followed by MSN 1579 shortly thereafter. Both have served as core components of Sichuan Airlines’ all-Airbus fleet.

In a statement regarding the sale, Azorra emphasized the role of its diverse workforce in executing the deal. The transaction required significant coordination across time zones and languages, facilitated by Azorra’s Mandarin-speaking team members.

“We are proud to complete our first transaction with Xiamen Airlease and to deepen our relationships with key trading partners across the Asia-Pacific region. This transaction highlights the strength of Azorra’s diverse, multilingual team, including our Mandarin-speaking colleagues who were instrumental in supporting this deal.”

, John Evans, CEO of Azorra

For Xiamen Airlease, the acquisition aligns with its strategic focus on managing mid-to-late life aircraft. Based in the Xiamen Free Trade Zone, the lessor specializes in trading and asset management, often serving as a bridge between Chinese demand and the global leasing market.

“We are honored to establish cooperation with Azorra… We look forward to building a long-term and stable strategic partnership with Azorra in the future.”

, Edward Chen, CEO of Xiamen Airlease

Market Context: The Demand for Mid-Life Widebodies

The sale occurs against a backdrop of tightening supply in the global widebody market. Throughout 2025, production delays at major manufacturers have forced airlines to extend the operational lives of existing fleets. This dynamic has strengthened lease rates and residual values for aircraft like the Airbus A330-300.

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this transaction represents a classic “win-win” in the current leasing environment. For Azorra, divesting these 11-to-12-year-old assets allows for capital recycling, likely funding their order book of newer technology aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and Embraer E2. Azorra’s model often involves optimizing portfolio mix, and selling mid-life assets at a time of high market value is a prudent financial move.

Conversely, Xiamen Airlease secures assets that fit perfectly into a “mid-life specialist” niche. As aircraft move into their second decade of service, they often transition from Tier 1 lessors to specialists capable of managing the asset through to eventual part-out or cargo conversion. With Sichuan Airlines continuing to expand its operations, the lease revenue attached to these aircraft remains secure, reducing the risk for the new owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this sale affect Sichuan Airlines’ operations?
No. The aircraft are sold “with lease attached,” meaning the operator (Sichuan Airlines) continues to fly the planes as usual. The only change is the entity receiving the monthly lease payments.

What engines are on these aircraft?
The two Airbus A330-300s are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, a common and reliable powerplant for this aircraft type.

Why are mid-life aircraft in demand in 2025?
Delays in the certification and delivery of new widebody aircraft (such as the Boeing 777X) have caused a shortage of capacity. Airlines are retaining older aircraft longer to meet passenger demand, which increases the value and utility of mid-life assets like the A330.

Sources: Azorra