AviationNews – Chinese carrier Loong Air has signed a significant lease agreement with CDB Aviation, the Irish leasing unit of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., for six Airbus A321neo aircraft. The deal was formalized during a signing ceremony on July 17, 2025 at Loong Air’s headquarters in Hangzhou, witnessed by top executives of both companies.
Strategic Fleet Expansion
- The six A321neos will be delivered in 2027, sourced from CDB Aviation’s orderbook.
- Loong Air is already operating 12 A321neos, alongside 33 A320neo and 27 A320ceo aircraft.
- The A321neo’s combination of fuel efficiency, extended range, and high cabin flexibility makes it ideal for high-demand domestic, regional, and international routes.
Business and Environmental Impact
The A321neo supports Loong Air’s dual ambitions of capacity growth and sustainability. With next‑generation engines and sharklets, the type delivers up to 20% fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. Loong Air aims to leverage this performance to enhance passenger experience while keeping operating costs in check.
Strong Lessor Partnership
The deal underscores a decade-long cooperation with CDB Aviation. Jie Chen, CEO of CDB Aviation, highlighted alignment between the aircraft’s economic strengths and Loong Air’s expansion strategy. Similarly, Loong Air Chair Qihong Liu noted that the A321neo will bring improved cabin versatility and network flexibility, reinforcing their long-term sustainability goals.
Context on Loong Air and the A321neo
- Loong Air, founded in 2011 and flying passengers since December 2013, now operates over 70 Airbus narrowbodies serving nearly 100 destinations across China and parts of Asia.
- The Airbus A321neo, first introduced in 2017, is the most capable variant of the A320neo family, seating 180–220 passengers in typical configurations and offering greater range and better fuel performance.
Why This Matters
The A321neo lease deal positions Loong Air to better serve high-traffic routes while advancing low‑carbon operations.
Arrival in 2027 will support network growth ambitions into regional and select international markets.
The aircraft’s fuel- and cost-efficiency helps reinforce Loong Air’s competitiveness in a maturing Chinese aviation landscape.
