15 Aug 2025
#3 August 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
BOC Aviation Announces Appointment
BOC Aviation has announced the appointment of Mr. Yogesh Farswani as Head of OEM Strategy and Procurement, effective 1 July 2025. In this expanded role, he will oversee the Procurement department alongside his current responsibilities for engines, covering aircraft and engine procurement as well as broader OEM engagement initiatives.
Mr. Farswani will continue to report to Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Thomas Chandler.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Steven Townend, commented:
“Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Alistair for his 22 years of dedication to growing our fleet, which now exceeds 800 owned, managed, and on-order aircraft. With over 29 years of experience in the aviation industry, Yogesh will continue to drive portfolio growth and enhance our key relationships with the OEMs. As we enter a new phase of fleet expansion, Yogesh’s experience will ensure that we continue to achieve our growth ambitions.”
Shenzhen Airlines to Connect Shenzhen and Melbourne
Shenzhen Airlines is set to launch its first-ever Australian service, introducing direct flights between Shenzhen and Melbourne. The new route will operate three times weekly using two-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft, commencing 22 December 2025.
The Cathay Group Orders More Long-Haul Aircraft
The Cathay Group has exercised purchase rights for an additional 14 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, bringing its total commitment for the type to 35 units.
With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the Boeing 777-9 will enable Cathay Pacific to serve key global markets more efficiently, supporting the carrier’s expanding long-haul network.
Cathay Group Chair, Patrick Healy, stated:
“Over the past few years, we have embarked on an all-encompassing fleet renewal and expansion plan, which includes orders for over 100 new narrowbody, regional widebody, long-haul widebody, and large freighter aircraft. This new order brings our total investment to well over HK$100 billion, which also includes new cabin products, lounges, and digital innovation—further strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub and elevating the customer experience to new heights.”
Acumen’s Take
On BOC Aviation’s Appointment of Yogesh Farswani
This strategic leadership shift at BOC Aviation underscores the company’s intent to deepen its OEM relationships as it continues fleet expansion. Farswani’s dual oversight of engine and airframe procurement signals an integrated sourcing strategy—a move that could optimise pricing, delivery timelines, and long-term asset value. With a portfolio now exceeding 800 aircraft, alignment with OEMs will be central to managing supply chain complexities and sustaining growth targets.
On Shenzhen Airlines’ Launch of Shenzhen–Melbourne Flights
Shenzhen Airlines’ entry into the Australian market represents a notable step in China's outbound international growth. For secondary hubs like Shenzhen, connecting to cities such as Melbourne helps disperse international traffic flows beyond Beijing and Shanghai. For lessors and investors, this points to increased widebody demand from Tier 2 carriers—especially for high-traffic, long-haul leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets.
On The Cathay Group’s Expanded Boeing 777-9 Order
Cathay’s decision to firm up 14 additional 777-9s reinforces its long-term confidence in premium long-haul recovery and global hub connectivity via Hong Kong. The scale of investment—exceeding HK$100 billion—also highlights the Group’s strategic focus on modernising its fleet with high-capacity, fuel-efficient aircraft. For the widebody leasing segment, this is a strong validation of sustained demand for new-generation long-haul jets in Asia-Pacific’s recovery trajectory.
Acumen Aviation © 15 August 2025 All Rights Reserved.
