11 Dec 2025
#2 December 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Azorra Sells Two A330-300s to Xiamen Airlease
Azorra has completed the sale of two Airbus A330-300 aircraft (MSN 1432 and 1579) to Xiamen Airlease, with both aircraft currently on lease to Sichuan Airlines. The transaction marks Azorra’s first deal with Xiamen Airlease and reflects its growing trading activity across the Asia-Pacific region. CEO John Evans highlighted the role of the company’s multilingual and culturally diverse team — including Mandarin-speaking staff — in enabling the smooth execution of a complex cross-border transaction. As demand for widebody capacity strengthens, Azorra continues to focus on delivering flexible, high-value solutions for airline operators and lessor partners worldwide.
BOC Aviation Signs Lease Agreement with Philippine Airlines for Two A350-1000s
BOC Aviation has agreed to purchase and leaseback two Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to Philippine Airlines (PAL) under long-term operating leases, marking the first A350-1000 delivery in the lessor’s portfolio. Both aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, with the first delivery scheduled for December 2025. CEO Steven Townend stated that welcoming PAL as a new customer aligns with BOC Aviation’s commitment to supporting airlines with the latest-technology, fuel-efficient widebodies. As the largest aircraft lessor headquartered in Asia, BOC Aviation continues to leverage its strong balance sheet and orderbook to support regional and global fleet growth.
China Eastern Airlines Launches World’s Longest Flight
China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has launched its new Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route, marking the world’s longest one-way commercial flight at approximately 20,000 km. Operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the inaugural service departed on 4 December carrying 282 passengers aboard CEA’s “National Museum of China” themed aircraft. This new “southbound corridor” connects three continents by offering a direct link from Shanghai to South America, bypassing traditional transfer hubs in Europe and North America. With fifth-freedom rights secured in Auckland, CEA can facilitate seamless passenger and cargo transfers, boosting trade and tourism flows among China, New Zealand, and Argentina. The route shortens typical travel times between China and Argentina by roughly five hours, enhancing long-haul connectivity in a strategically significant corridor.
Acumen’s Take
On Azorra’s A330-300 Sale
The transaction underscores growing liquidity in the widebody secondary market, particularly for A330 variants that continue to attract strong demand in Asia. Azorra’s ability to execute multilingual, cross-regional deals highlights a continuing trend: lessors with culturally aligned teams are gaining an edge in complex trading environments.
On BOC Aviation’s PAL A350-1000 Placement
BOC Aviation’s first A350-1000 delivery signals sustained appetite for latest-generation widebodies, especially among Asia-Pacific carriers rebuilding long-haul networks. For PAL, adding the A350-1000 supports fleet modernisation and positions the airline to compete more effectively on long-range, high-yield routes.
On CEA’s Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires Launch
CEA’s new ultra-long-haul service reflects China’s ambition to expand global air corridors beyond traditional geographies. Establishing direct South American connectivity not only enhances passenger convenience but also positions Shanghai as a strategic intercontinental hub with growing influence across emerging trade lanes.
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