04 Apr 2025
#1 April 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
BOC Aviation Orders 50 Boeing 737-8 Aircraft
BOC Aviation has signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 50 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2031. The deal includes conversion rights to other Boeing 737 variants, offering flexibility to meet evolving market demands. CEO Steven Townend described the order as BOC Aviation’s largest-ever Boeing order book position, reaffirming the company’s strategy to support airline customers with fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft for fleet expansion.
China Eastern Launches Direct Geneva-Shanghai Route
China Eastern Airlines will launch a new direct route between Geneva and Shanghai starting 16 June 2025, pending regulatory approval. Operating four times weekly using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, this service will directly connect French-speaking Switzerland with China’s commercial capital. The route is expected to boost economic ties, tourism, and freight opportunities, building on the strong growth in Chinese visitors to Switzerland and France observed in 2024.
Lao Airlines Leases COMAC C909 to Expand Fleet
Lao Airlines has taken delivery of its first COMAC C909 regional jet, becoming the first Southeast Asian airline to operate the Chinese-made aircraft. The 90-seat, all-economy aircraft was granted type certification by Laos’ Civil Aviation Authority on 18 March 2025, authorising its use for commercial operations. This development marks a major step in COMAC’s international expansion, with TransNusa (Indonesia) already operating the type and other Southeast Asian countries preparing to follow suit.
Acumen’s Take
On BOC Aviation’s Boeing 737-8 Order
This landmark 50-aircraft deal reflects BOC Aviation’s confidence in the 737-8’s market value and its appeal as a fuel-efficient, versatile, narrow-body jet. As airline customers seek modern aircraft to optimise cost and environmental performance, this order places BOC Aviation in a strong position to serve global demand. Acumen views this as a strategic portfolio strengthening move that also underscores the continued resurgence of leasing activity.
On China Eastern’s Geneva-Shanghai Route
Direct connectivity between Geneva and Shanghai is a strategic boost for Sino-European economic and tourism links. With growing outbound Chinese travel and cargo potential, this route will facilitate high-yield passenger traffic and valuable freight opportunities. Acumen sees this expansion as a positive indicator of renewed long-haul route development, driven by increasing international demand post-recovery.
On Lao Airlines Leasing COMAC C909
Lao Airlines’ induction of the COMAC C909 into commercial service is a major milestone for China’s aircraft manufacturing ambitions. The regional jet’s entrance into Southeast Asia highlights the growing acceptance of Chinese-built aircraft in global markets. Acumen believes this sets the stage for broader adoption of COMAC aircraft, especially among cost-sensitive carriers in emerging regions.
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