50 737 MAX 8 aircraft purchased by Chinese lessor

The China Development Bank Financial Leasing Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary CDB Aviation Lease Finance are to purchase 50 737 MAX 8 aircraft, expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2031.
These 50 units will augment the lessor’s current fleet of 34 MAX 8 aircraft (36 of which are committed, according to CDB Aviation’s website); suggesting the need for an expanding fleet. The news comes less than a week since the two parties entered into an agreement with rival manufacturer Airbus for the delivery of 80 A320neo family aircraft for delivery between 2030 and 2032.
Powered by two CFM LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX 8 has capacity for up to 210 passengers. CDB Aviation explained that the acquisition was “in line with the Company’s strategies” and would “optimise the fleet structure and increase the proportion of next-generation aircraft with advanced technologies, high fuel efficiency and wide market penetration”.
Boeing’s future market forecast indicates the Chinese region will be the third biggest sector by geographical location by 2043; rising from 16% of the world’s fleet in 2023 to 19% in 2043, operating around 33,380 single-aisle aircraft.
With an aircraft portfolio including the 737, 787, A320neo family, A330neo and A350 aircraft, CDB Aviation states its strategy is to “continue securing and building a fleet of the latest technology aircraft and engines to offer airlines the ideal fleet options they seek”.
However, it is unclear the extent to which Boeing manufacturing issues may impact any potential delivery dates, with ongoing quality control measures and the introduction of regulatory oversight prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to cap total 737 MAX production at 38 units a month.