Full-service aircraft leasing platform with global footprint
CDB Aviation delivers innovative aircraft fleet financing solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of airlines in all key markets of the world, offering them a competitive cost of funding and an unrivalled customer-oriented, full-service approach that is focused on execution and rooted in the culture of competency.
CDB Aviation’s fleet consists of 384 owned and committed aircraft, and its global customer network comprises 63 lessees across 37 countries and regions.
Because we are a customer-centric and relationship-driven organization, we understand an aircraft lease is not simply a single transaction of an airplane lease, rather an engagement and understanding, which recognize that airlines’ fleet needs are specific and constantly evolving.
A uniquely positioned lessor with financial strength
With the strength and robust capabilities of our global platform, our organization is ranked among top-tier, industry-leading global leasing companies. We are best positioned among Chinese lessors, offering competitive and diversified financing anchored in guaranteed availability of capital.
CDB Aviation Lease Finance Designated Activity Company (“CDB Aviation”) is investment grade rated by the major global credit rating agencies. S&P Global Ratings assigned its ‘A’ long-term issuer credit rating with outlook stable. Fitch Ratings assigned its long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of ‘A+’ with outlook stable. Moody’s Investors Service assigned its ‘A2’ local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings with outlook stable.
CDB Aviation is a wholly-owned by China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., a 30-plus-year-old leasing company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX stock code: 1606). Our parent company is the dedicated leasing arm of China Development Bank and enjoys the Chinese quasi sovereign credit rating (A1 / A / A+), one of the highest international credit ratings among Chinese financial institutions and the highest rating among all aviation lessors.
Under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China, China Development Bank is China’s largest policy bank and one of the world’s largest institutions supporting domestic and foreign infrastructure projects. China Development Bank is one of three Chinese policy banks.
Focus on expanding market reach
As a world-class lessor with Chinese heritage, we are the first Chinese domestic leasing company to truly ‘go global,’ with our current footprint based in Hong Kong, Dublin, and the USA. With innovative financing solutions and access to robust orderbook for the most advanced and efficient aircraft, we are well positioned to support airlines in the world’s fastest-growing air travel markets.
Execution-driven culture of competency
We are powered by the industry’s next generation of aviation finance leaders, who are committed to doing business the ‘old-fashioned way,’ focusing on a long-term view of market participation, as well as building and cultivating strong relationships with aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and banking partners. The depth of the CDB Aviation team is anchored in seasoned leadership with bench strength and the continued build-out of a best-in-class team at all levels.
CDB Aviation Cares
Being responsible stewards, committed to taking care of the communities where we live and work, is the hallmark of our company. At CDB Aviation, our vision is to be the most trusted leader in aircraft leasing. We’re not just innovating to propel the aviation industry forward, we’re committed to demonstrating our values, heritage, and diverse backgrounds as a company that is invested in the success of our clients, employees, and communities. We contribute time, talent, and financial resources to a wide range of initiatives that benefit our communities, promote knowledge-sharing, shape the next generation of leaders, and support organizations that make a meaningful impact on the livelihoods of our neighbors, colleagues, and friends, as well as our families.
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CDB Aviation’s fleet consists of 384 owned and committed aircraft, and its global customer network comprises 63 lessees across 37 countries and regions.
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Jie Chen appointed as new Chief Executive Officer
CDB Aviation announced that the Board of Directors selected Jie Chen to become the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead CDB Aviation and its remarkable team in advancing the company’s long-term vision, building on a strong track record of business performance and market success, while leveraging the unique capabilities and resources of our shareholder. With the industry’s rapidly evolving requirements, especially in the area of sustainability, our path forward will focus on delivering innovativeness and stewardship that meet the changing needs of the global airline sector and generate industry-leading shareholder value.”
United conducts the first-ever passenger flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel using CDB Aviation’s 737 MAX
The flight UA2701, conducted with one of the carrier’s Boeing 737MAX aircraft on lease from CDB Aviation, operated one engine on 100% SAF with the other running on conventional jet fuel to prove there are no operational differences between the two — and to set the stage for the future of aviation with more scalable uses of SAF. “This flight is historic and will serve as a turning point in the industry’s continuing efforts to reduce airliners’ environmental footprint and advance technological innovations to combat climate change,” commented Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer.
CDB Aviation reports strong activity in 2020 amid headwinds
The year 2020 marked a period of robust business activity for CDB Aviation despite the toughest market the aircraft leasing industry has ever experienced. “The pandemic-battered environment has inflicted an array of unexpected and unparalleled challenges upon all stakeholders across the global air transport sector, generating significant near-term headwinds,” reflected CDB Aviation Chief Executive Officer Patrick Hannigan. “In the face of these adverse conditions, our team has persisted to attain continued growth and advance key initiatives, progressing several aspects of our long-term vision.”
CDB Aviation brings the next generation A330 P2F freighter to the market
The aircraft converted from CDB Aviation’s fleet will offer airline customers 23% more cargo volume than older freighters aircraft types, and will be available for lease beginning in early 2022. The A330-300 P2F conversion program is conducted in partnership with EFW, marking CDB Aviation’s first entry into freighter conversion, advancing the company’s strategic efforts to deliver ever-more customized fleet solutions to customers, while tapping the long-term growth potential of the medium widebody freighter market.
CDB Aviation appoints Brendan O’Neill as CFO
CDB Aviation appoints its new Chief Financial Officer Brendan O’Neill who will oversee all financial aspects of the company.
CDB Aviation’s investment grade ratings reaffirmed by S&P Global, Fitch and Moody’s
CDB Aviation’s investment grade (“IG”) ratings are reaffirmed by the ‘big three’ global credit rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (“S&P Global”), Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), and Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”).
Craig Segor joins CDB Aviation as Chief Investment Officer
Craig Segor assumes the newly created position of Chief Investment Officer to head efforts to develop and execute strategic investments, covering M&A, aircraft portfolio acquisitions and sales, aircraft trading, and financing alternatives.
Peter Goodman named CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer
Peter Goodman is promoted to the role of Chief Marketing Officer. Peter Goodman, who has served as Head of Commercial, EMEA, since March 2017, has laid the foundation to progress the company’s marketing activities across the globe by building up the impressive commercial success of its EMEA Commercial team.
CDB Aviation reports another period of strong business activity in 2019
CDB Aviation reports another period of strong business activity in 2019, in which the lessor executed transactions involving 89 aircraft. CDB Aviation Chief Executive Officer Patrick Hannigan asserted: “Our imperative is to remain steadfast in efforts to enhance efficiency and streamline operations to better serve the needs of business and customers. With our shareholder China Development Bank’s backing, we will continue building upon our success with a clear focus on the path forward for growth which is measured through our customer relationships.”
CDB Aviation names Patrick Hannigan new CEO
In January 2020, Patrick Hannigan takes the helm of CDB Aviation at a pivotal time in the lessor’s robust development, with the goal of furthering its growth momentum. CDB Aviation Chairman, Mr. Xuedong Wang, commented: “I am very pleased that Pat Hannigan has accepted the opportunity to lead CDB Aviation. He will provide strong leadership and build on the growth of the recent past to ensure long-term success. We are very happy with the leadership team’s success in establishing a true global platform, and we look forward to providing the support and resources that Pat and the talented staff of CDB Aviation will require to continue their efforts.”
First A330neo joins the CDB Aviation fleet
The first Airbus A330neo has joined the CDB Aviation fleet, marking the delivery of the first of two aircraft of the type to TAP Portugal (“TAP”). The A330-900 variant, equipped with the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines, was delivered to TAP in Toulouse, France on September 6, as part of a purchase and leaseback agreement entered with Portugal’s flag carrier in April 2018.
CDB Aviation hosts a briefing for Chinese media
CDB Aviation hosted a media briefing on the sidelines of the Airfinance Journal China 2019 conference for representatives of China’s leading finance, aviation, and business media. China remains at the heart of the company’s growth strategy – CDB Aviation is looking to bring its newly established global platform back to China, reinforcing its presence in the market in which it first began, and meeting the growing demands of Chinese airlines and customers.
2018 Chinese lessor of the year
CDB Aviation accepts the Chinese Lessor of the Year 2018 award from Airfinance Journal in Shanghai during the Airfinance Journal China 2019 conference.
CDB Aviation receives Investment Grade ratings from Moody’s, S&P Global, and Fitch
Moody’s Investors Service assigned its ‘A1’ local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings with outlook stable. S&P Global Ratings assigned its ‘A’ long-term issuer credit rating with outlook stable. Fitch Ratings assigned its long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of ‘A+’ with outlook stable. This important milestone was reached on schedule, as part of the company’s strategic effort to transform its aircraft leasing platform into a global, best-in-class, full-service lessor.
CDB Aviation awarded Aircraft Portfolio Deal of the Year – Asia by Global Transport Finance
CDB Aviation received the ‘Aircraft Portfolio Deal of the Year – Asia’ award from Global Transport Finance. Jeanette Delehanty, CDB Aviation’s Senior Vice President, Legal, accepted the award on behalf of our company at the GTF Awards gala held on January 31 in London. Jeanette pictured on stage alongside representatives from the MLA banks and lender’s counsel.
CDB Aviation reports record activity and growth in 2018
CDB Aviation reported a record year for 2018, in which the company executed transactions involving 107 aircraft, rapidly accelerating business to support the continued growth of its industry-leading leasing platform. “We’re extremely proud to report that 2018 was another benchmark year for CDB Aviation, setting an all-time record for activity across the many facets of our fast-evolving business,” said CDB Aviation Chief Executive Officer Peter Chang. “This past year’s growth is evidence of the strength and scale of our platform, as well as demonstrates our unwavering commitment to execution, through a combination of following our business model, opportunities with the manufacturers – a relationship we prize very highly, and strong relationships with the airlines.”
CDB Aviation named third largest lessor in China
As part of Cirium’s Finance & Leasing ranking, CDB Aviation receives recognition as the 3rd largest lessor in China and the 12th largest leasing platform globally, by fleet value.
CDB Aviation appoints Patrick Hannigan as President
CDB Aviation promoted Patrick C. Hannigan to the role of President, as part of the continued strategy to further strengthen executive management for the next phase of development. Patrick has served as the company’s Chief Commercial Officer since January 2017.
CDB Aviation concludes a major transaction with Airbus for eight A330-300s
“CDB Aviation is pleased to confirm that we have concluded a scaled transaction with Airbus,” said CDB Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Chang. “We are committed to being responsive with our customers and supportive of their platform’s needs. This is consistent with our business philosophy that is based on cultivating long-term relationships and collaboration. CDB Aviation values our relationship with HNA Group.” The widebody aircraft were part of a sale-and-leaseback agreement with Hainan Airlines and Lucky Air.
125th Airbus aircraft joins the CDB Aviation fleet
CDB Aviation took delivery of its 100th Airbus A320 Family aircraft in November 2018. The A320neo aircraft, which will be operated by India’s low-cost carrier GoAir is part of a purchase and leaseback agreement signed with the carrier earlier in 2018. The delivery marks the overall 125th Airbus aircraft to join the lessor’s fleet.
Asia-Pacific CEO of the Year
During the Aviation 100 awards gala held at the 2018 Aviation News Growth Frontiers Asia-Pacific conference in Hong Kong, Peter Chang, CDB Aviation CEO & President, was honored with the award of Asia-Pacific CEO of the Year.
Opening of CDB Aviation’s new Dublin headquarters
Industry partners, airline customers, and representatives of OEMs joined the CDB Aviation team on October 11 at their new home on George’s Quay to celebrate the grand opening of the lessor’s new Dublin headquarters. Peter Chang, President & CEO, expressed his appreciation for the support from both the employee team and industry.
CDB Aviation’s Dublin head office moves to 1GQ complex on George’s Quay to support the company’s rapid growth
Peter Chang, CDB Aviation President & CEO, noted, “We are very excited about our new workspace at one of Dublin’s newly modernized landmarks. Our company’s success depends on the effectiveness of our team, and this new office space is designed to provide an engaging work environment for our team members, while inspiring their collaboration, attracting new talent, and supporting our plans for future growth.”
CDB Aviation honored as one of nine Chinese lessors in FlightGlobal’s Top 50 Lessors Awards
CDB Aviation delivers the first Airbus A320neo powered by LEAP-1A engines from Airbus’ assembly line based in Tianjin, on lease to Loong Air
CDB Aviation delivers an A320neo to Air Seychelles, the first airline in the Western Indian Ocean to operate the aircraft type
CDB Aviation wins the Finance Dublin 2018 Deal of the Year award in the Financial Services – Aviation Finance category for its $492 million (€413.3 million) secured portfolio financing facility covering 14 Airbus and Boeing narrowbody aircraft
CDB Aviation partners with Airfinance Journal and UCD Dublin to create a scholarship in an endeavor to educate the next generation of aviation finance leaders
Designed to nurture the next generation of aviation finance talent, the scholarship will be awarded to a female student in the MSc Aviation Finance program at University College Dublin UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
CDB Aviation reports the robust 2017 activity and growth, executing transactions for 162 aircraft, the lessor’s best performance to date
“Throughout this past year, the CDB Aviation team achieved several major milestones in our path to building a best-in-class global aircraft lessors,” said CDB Aviation President & CEO Peter Chang.
CDB Aviation confirms the order for 90 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft
Boeing, CDB Aviation finalize the order for 52 737 MAXs and Eight 787s
CDB Aviation hosts a reception to celebrate the establishment of CDB Aviation office in Dublin; guests include Chinese Ambassador YUE Xiaoyong, People’s Republic of China to Ireland; Mr. FAN Lixin, Director-General, Marketing Development & Equity Investment, CDB Bank; Mr. WANG Xuedong, Chairman, CDB Leasing; Ms Eileen Sharpe, Global Head of Growth Markets, IDA, among others
At the 2017 Paris Air Show, Peter Chang, CDB Aviation CEO & President, signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for 45 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, doubling the company’s overall order position for the aircraft family
At the 2017 Paris Air Show, Peter Chang, CDB Aviation CEO & President, signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing for 52 737 MAXs and 8 787 Dreamliners
CDB Aviation expands its offices and facilities in Hong Kong
Peter Chang, CDB Aviation CEO & President, signs an order for 30 737 MAX aircraft with Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister, Global Sales & Marketing VP-commercial airplanes Ihssane Mounir, and Northeast Asia Sales VP Rick Anderson
CDB Aviation appoints Peter Chang as President & Chief Executive Officer, entering the next phase of the company’s growth, building a world-class, industry-leading management team and expanding its focus beyond China with a goal of becoming one of the world’s leading aviation leasing companies
CDB Aviation Lease Finance DAC is registered as a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited
HONG KONG • DUBLIN • AMERICAS
