CDB Aviation Completes Lease Agreements for Four Airbus A320neo Aircraft with New EMEA Customer Marabu Airlines
At the Dubai Air Show 2025, one of the aviation industry’s most prominent global gatherings, CDB Aviation, the wholly owned Irish leasing subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CDB Leasing”), announced the signing of lease agreements for four state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo aircraft with Marabu Airlines. The deal marks an important milestone for both companies: for CDB Aviation, it represents a strengthened presence in the EMEA region through a new customer relationship, while for Marabu Airlines, it is a significant step forward in its ongoing fleet modernization and growth strategy.
The agreement reinforces CDB Aviation’s commitment to providing next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft to airlines seeking to expand responsibly and sustainably. It also highlights Marabu’s ambition to scale its operations across key leisure markets in Europe while offering passengers a more comfortable and environmentally considerate travel experience.
A Strategic Partnership Formed at a Global Industry Stage
Announcing the lease at the Dubai Air Show underscores the prominent role that both companies aim to play in the evolving landscape of commercial aviation. As global air travel continues to recover and surge following a period of disruption, airlines are racing to secure modern, efficient aircraft that can support profitable operations, meet customer expectations, and help reduce fuel burn and emissions. The A320neo family has emerged as a preferred narrowbody solution for many airlines, and CDB Aviation has remained a strong lessor of this highly sought-after aircraft type.
Jie Chen, Chief Executive Officer of CDB Aviation, emphasized the strategic importance of the transaction. “We’re delighted to support Marabu’s fleet expansion with these modern, fuel-efficient A320neos, which will help the airline meet rising travel demand and strengthen its operations for the long term,” he stated. Chen highlighted that the four A320neos, configured with 180 seats, are well suited to Marabu’s route network and its ambitions to grow capacity while maintaining operational efficiency.
For CDB Aviation, this agreement represents the company’s broader strategy of expanding partnerships with carriers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa by offering flexible leasing solutions and access to new-technology aircraft. The company has steadily increased its A320neo portfolio as global demand grows, and the Marabu lease deal further strengthens its position as a major lessor in the narrowbody market.
Marabu Airlines: A Rising Leisure Carrier Strengthening Its Market Position
Founded in Estonia and headquartered in Tallinn, Marabu Airlines has rapidly emerged as a key player in the German leisure travel segment. Operating from several German bases—including Hamburg, Leipzig, and Nuremberg—the carrier provides travelers with access to an extensive selection of seasonal and holiday-focused destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. Its network spans popular locations for beach vacations, cultural experiences, and family travel, positioning the airline as an attractive choice for leisure passengers.
The addition of four A320neo aircraft from CDB Aviation is a central component of Marabu’s plan to enhance both its fleet size and the quality of its operations. Once these aircraft join the fleet, Marabu’s total aircraft count will rise to 12, enabling the airline to expand frequency on high-demand routes, launch new services, and improve scheduling flexibility during peak travel periods.
Axel Schefe, CEO of Marabu Airlines, noted the importance of this growth initiative. “With these additional A320neos from CDB Aviation, Marabu Airlines’ fleet will grow to 12 aircraft, strengthening our capacity and flexibility as we expand our network,” he said. Schefe added that the introduction of new-technology narrowbodies supports the airline’s commitment to providing a consistent, comfortable travel experience while improving overall efficiency. “The new aircraft enhance our operational efficiency and help us maintain a consistently high travel experience across our routes. They also support our long-term plan to offer a reliable, comfortable journey for our guests. We value CDB Aviation’s support and shared commitment to building a solid foundation for our future growth.”
The A320neo: A Modern and Efficient Solution for Growing Airlines
The Airbus A320neo continues to be one of the most successful single-aisle aircraft programs in the world, driven by strong demand from airlines seeking cost-efficient and environmentally progressive fleet renewal options. Featuring next-generation engines, aerodynamic improvements, and cabin enhancements, the A320neo delivers:
- Up to 20% reduction in fuel burn compared with previous-generation A320 family aircraft
- Lower CO₂ emissions, supporting airline sustainability objectives
- Reduced noise footprint, benefiting communities near major airports
- Improved range and operational flexibility
- A more comfortable cabin environment for passengers
For airlines like Marabu, which operate in competitive leisure markets, the combination of fuel efficiency, reduced operating costs, and enhanced comfort makes the A320neo an ideal aircraft for expanding route networks and increasing profitability.
CDB Aviation’s decision to lease these aircraft to Marabu illustrates its confidence in the airline’s business model, long-term potential, and focus on customer experience. It also highlights the lessor’s ability to respond to changing market conditions by offering aircraft that align with the operational needs of today’s carriers.
Strengthening Strategic Growth in the EMEA Aviation Landscape
The partnership between CDB Aviation and Marabu Airlines demonstrates how collaborative relationships between lessors and airlines are essential for sustainable industry growth. As travel demand continues to rise across Europe and surrounding regions, carriers require both financial flexibility and access to modern aircraft to capture opportunities in emerging and established markets.
For Marabu, the lease agreement with CDB Aviation will not only expand its fleet but also support its goal of strengthening its footprint in Germany’s highly competitive leisure travel sector. With increased capacity, the airline can diversify its route offerings, improve scheduling reliability, and maintain cost efficiency—advantages that are increasingly important in a market shaped by fluctuating fuel prices, shifting customer expectations, and the need for stronger environmental performance.
For CDB Aviation, the deal reinforces its strategy to deepen its engagement with European operators and build long-lasting customer relationships centered on fleet modernization and sustainable growth.
This announcement contains forward-looking statements that reflect CDB Aviation’s current expectations and beliefs regarding its operations, strategic direction, and the performance of the aviation market. These statements are not guarantees of future outcomes. Actual results may differ significantly due to a range of risks and uncertainties, including market conditions, regulatory developments, demand fluctuations, and other factors that may influence financial performance or operational results.
Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “target,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “projected,” “seek,” “continue,” “aim,” or similar expressions. These statements reflect the company’s outlook at the time of this release and should not be regarded as predictions of future performance. CDB Aviation does not assume responsibility for updating forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.
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