Aircraft to Support Growth of Carrier’s Fleet as It Solidifies Its Keystone Role in Continent’s Aviation Market
DUBAI – November 17, 2025 – CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CDB Leasing”), announced today the execution of lease agreements for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines (“Ethiopian”).
“On behalf of CDB Aviation, I am very proud to welcome Ethiopian Airlines to our global customer family, with the lease agreements executed for these two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to be delivered in 2026,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer.
The two MAX aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2026 and will support the airline’s fleet growth strategy targeted to equip the carrier with the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.
“The African aviation market is primed for a rapid surge in growth, with a population that increasingly wants to fly, for business and pleasure. With continued investments fueling the growth of its fleet, Ethiopian is well positioned to increase connectivity across the continent, making travel more accessible,” added Chen.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions, including with respect to CDB Aviation’s business, financial condition, results of operations or plans. CDB Aviation cautions readers that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results or other financial condition or performance measures could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as ”may,” “will,” “seek,” “continue,” “aim,” “anticipate,” “target,” “projected,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “believe,” “achieve” or other terminology or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of CDB Aviation’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About CDB Aviation
CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CDB Leasing”) a 40-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. CDB Aviation is rated Investment Grade by Moody’s (A2), S&P Global (A), and Fitch (A+). China Development Bank is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China and is one of the world’s largest development finance institutions. It is also the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation, long-term lending and bond issuance, enjoying Chinese sovereign credit rating.
CDB Leasing is the only leasing arm of the China Development Bank and a leading company in China’s leasing industry that has been engaged in aircraft, infrastructure, ship, commercial vehicle and construction machinery leasing and enjoys a Chinese sovereign credit rating. It took an important step in July 2016 to globalize and marketize its business – listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX STOCK CODE: 1606). www.CDBAviation.aero
