The first Airbus A330neo has joined the CDB Aviation’s fleet and was delivered to TAP Portugal, the first of two aircraft of the type to be leased to the airline.

The A330-900 variant, equipped with the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines, was delivered to TAP in Toulouse, France on September 6, as part of a purchase and leaseback agreement entered with Portugal’s flag carrier in April 2018.

The aircraft, leased on a long-term basis, will support the airline’s vision of accelerated capacity growth, enabling it to launch new routes.

“TAP is among many airlines in CDB Aviation’s rapidly expanding global customer network who benefit from our company’s fast-evolving and industry-leading, full-service platform. Today, CDB Aviation boasts an in-demand portfolio and a strong orderbook for the latest generation aircraft, capable of meeting diverse customer needs and providing attractive near-term delivery positions,” said CDB Aviation President and Chief Commercial Officer Patrick Hannigan.

CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing, a 35-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. CDB Leasing is the only leasing arm of the China Development Bank.