17 Sep 2026
#3 September 2026: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
CDB Aviation Delivers TAROM’s First Boeing 737-8
CDB Aviation, the Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing, has delivered TAROM’s first Boeing 737-8. The aircraft marks the introduction of the type into the Romanian flag carrier’s fleet, with TAROM planning to add four 737-8 aircraft through a combination of operating and finance leases.
SMBC Aviation Capital To Lease Two 737 MAX 8 Aircraft To Red Sea Airlines
Red Sea Airlines has signed an agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital for two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled for July and August 2027, adding new-generation narrowbody capacity to the Egyptian carrier’s fleet.
Aviation Capital Group Appoints Jilinda Crowley As CFO
Aviation Capital Group has appointed Jilinda Crowley as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. She will oversee the lessor’s finance strategy, treasury, risk, tax, accounting, pricing and financial planning.
Airborne Capital Begins Deliveries For New Aircraft Investment Fund
Dublin-headquartered Airborne Capital has begun delivering aircraft into MACH OE, its open-ended aircraft investment fund established with Mercuria Investment and Mercuria Holdings. The first two assets are Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft placed on long-term leases with United Airlines.
Acumen’s Take
On CDB Aviation And TAROM
CDB Aviation’s delivery to TAROM highlights the role of lessors in supporting airline fleet renewal and restructuring programmes. New-generation narrowbody aircraft can help carriers improve fuel efficiency, operating economics and fleet consistency.
On SMBC Aviation Capital And Red Sea Airlines
SMBC Aviation Capital’s agreement with Red Sea Airlines reflects continued demand for 737 MAX 8 aircraft across growth and leisure-linked markets. For lessors, placements in the Middle East and North Africa support customer diversification and exposure to expanding regional aviation demand.
On ACG’s CFO Appointment
ACG’s CFO appointment reinforces the importance of experienced financial leadership within major aircraft leasing platforms. Treasury, risk management, pricing and capital planning remain central to lessor performance in a market shaped by interest rates, asset values and delivery timing.
On Airborne Capital’s Investment Fund
Airborne Capital’s first MACH OE deliveries show continued institutional interest in aircraft investment platforms backed by long-term leases and modern assets. Open-ended fund structures can support scalable aviation investment where capital, asset management and airline demand are aligned.
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