CDB Aviation Closes Sale and Leaseback for One A350-900 with Air France

Transaction Marks Lessor’s First Lease to Include Sustainability-Linked Provisions

PARIS – December 2, 2024 – CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CDB Leasing”), announced today the closing of a sale and leaseback transaction for one Airbus A350-900 aircraft with returning airline customer Air France.

“We are delighted to welcome Air France back to our customer family in the EMEA region,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation Chief Executive Officer. “This innovative transaction marks our platform’s first lease agreement with an airline customer underpinned by sustainability-linked KPIs in relation to the airline’s ongoing fleet transformation to newer-tech aircraft.”

The Airbus A350-900, named “Cherbourg-en-Cotentin,” features 292 seats, including 48 business, 32 premium, and 212 economy seats. The widebody aircraft will contribute to the airline’s ongoing efforts to renew its fleet with modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, enabling Air France to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.