CDB Aviation Lease Finance , a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing (CDB Leasing), announced the agreement with a Russian carrier, Nordwind Airlines, for a long-term lease of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft from the lessor’s order book with Boeing.

The first 737-800 was delivered to the airline last week. The second aircraft was delivered August 2, and the third remaining aircraft is expected to deliver toward the end of August. The 737-800s are configured in a single economy class layout and will be operated on Nordwind’s domestic routes.

“We are pleased to welcome our new customer, Nordwind Airlines, to CDB Aviation’s growing European customer network,” said CDB Aviation 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. We are thankful to be Nordwind’s partner, and we look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership that will support the carrier’s continual growth.”

“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 recognized among our competitors. The main goal is to form a younger, well-balanced fleet, which consists of the most popular aircraft models,” commented Nordwind Airlines Vice Chairman Oguz Senol Yuce.

“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. Working with CDB Aviation has been a pleasure, and we are at a start of a mutually fruitful and enjoyable cooperation. I would like to also extend my gratitude to Boeing and all of the participants involved in this project,” added Yuce.