Russian carrier Nordwind Airlines is taking three Boeing 737-800NG aircraft on lease from CDB Aviation Lease Finance, the wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing.
The long-term lease deal is for aircraft from the lessor’s existing order book with Boeing, with the first (Serial Number 60177) delivered last week and the second delivered on Wednesday. The third is expected to be handed over before the end of this month.
The B737-800s are configured in a single economy class 189-seat layout and will be operated on Nordwind’s domestic routes. All three aircraft are powered by CFM International’s CFM56-7B26E engines.
Nordwind Airlines’ vice-chairman, Oguz Senol Yuce, commented: “Nordwind is currently in a very advantageous position in the Russian market, operating domestic and international regular flights, and this position has by now been recognised among our competitors. The main goal is to form a younger, well-balanced fleet, which consists of the most popular aircraft models.
“Nordwind’s partnership with CDB Aviation is a great contribution to this challenge, and we are looking for an even stronger relationship in the future. We are glad to welcome three brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This delivery will be an important step in our overall fleet growth strategy, enabling us to expand our network and strengthen our operations.”
“We are pleased to welcome our new customer, Nordwind Airlines, to CDB Aviation’s growing European customer network,” said CDB Aviation’s chief executive officer, Peter Chang. “With the addition of three new 737-800s, our colleagues at Nordwind will be able to further advance their fleet expansion strategy in response to growing demand on the domestic air travel market.”
Nordwind is in the top 10 Russian airlines in terms of passenger turnover and carries out scheduled flights from Sheremetyevo International Airport. Last year it transported in scheduled flights more than 3.5 million passengers, more than three times the prior year’s figure. Its fleet is comprised currently of 22 aircraft including B737, B777, Airbus A330 and A321s.
Written by: Mark Thomas
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