CDB Aviation sells one E190 aircraft to Airlink

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing (CDB Leasing), has executed a sale-and-purchase agreement for one Embraer E190 aircraft with South African airline Airlink.

The aircraft, previously on lease to BA Cityflyer, was delivered to Airlink in May 2023, coinciding with the airline's celebration of connecting Southern Africa for 31 years. The transaction was the inaugural sale of the aircraft type from CDB Aviation's portfolio. Prior to the sale, the lessor had 20 units of the E190 in its fleet on lease to various carriers globally.

“The E190 segment is seeing a rebound amid rising interest rates and robust demand in all areas of the market as airlines recognise the potential of the 100-seat narrow-body-configured aircraft for boosting the capacity of their fleets,” stated Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation's Chief Marketing Officer. “We're pleased to have executed this first off-lease sale from our portfolio of E190s and we trust that this aircraft, with its unique operational advantages, is a perfectly suitable aircraft type for such a major player in the South African domestic and regional market as Airlink.”

Airlink was established in 1992 and is Southern Africa's premier privately-owned, regional airline. Airlink serves cities and other destinations throughout Southern Africa, Madagascar, and St Helena Island. In addition, Airlink offers worldwide connections through its 34 airline partners, which include many of the world's best-known inter-continental carriers.