Lessor CDB Aviation Lease Finance has signed an agreement to supply a trio of new Airbus A320-200neo aircraft to Vietnamese start-up carrier, Bamboo Airways, as the airline pushes to start operations by the turn of the year.
The wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. sealed the lease deal for the three aircraft with the airline, which had originally been hoping to launch operations earlier this month. That launch did not happen, however, and plans now look to be delayed until at least the turn of the year, with these three specific aircraft not due for delivery until the second half of 2019.
CDB Aviation is the first aircraft leasing company to lease new aircraft to the carrier, and says the agreement is also significant as it is the lessor’s first airline customer in Vietnam, as it continues to expand its customer footprint in Asia-Pacific.
Chief commercial officer, Patrick Hannigan, said the company was pleased to “support the carrier’s ambitious development plans to meet demand from the country’s booming tourism industry and rapid international air travel growth. With innovative financing solutions and access to robust orderbook for the most advanced and efficient aircraft, CDB Aviation is well positioned to support airlines in the world’s fastest-growing air travel markets.”
Bamboo’s plans are to combine traditional full services and affordable services in Vietnam with the aim of also meeting the diversified demands of all passengers. CDB says the carrier intends to utilise the A320neos “to better connect Vietnam’s regions to fast-growing Asian source markets and long-haul services to Europe and North America.”
Bamboo Airways CEO, Dang Tat Thang, commented: “We are eager to receive the aircraft from CDB Aviation, our strategic partner. This is an important step in the journey of Bamboo Airways to prepare the best facilities for our guests.” The carrier plans to offer flights within Vietnam before expanding into other Northeast Asian markets such as China, Korea and Japan. It is wholly owned by the FLC Group, a Vietnamese multi-industry company, focusing on aviation, real estate, resorts, farming, and golf.
The airline has previously stated it will use leased aircraft for its first year of operation, having also signed letters of intent for 24 A321neos (pictured) and 20 Boeing 787-9s.
