CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., has announced the signing of lease agreements with Ethiopian Airlines for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, further strengthening the African flag carrier’s position as a regional leader in fleet modernization and connectivity.
Avolon, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, has finalized an agreement to lease six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Royal Air Maroc, marking its first transaction with Morocco’s national airline. The deal underscores both companies’ commitment to supporting long-term aviation growth across Africa and enhancing the region’s international connectivity.
TrueNoord has announced the appointment of Basil Gygax as its new Sales Director for Africa, the Middle East, and CIS, further expanding the company’s global sales leadership as demand for regional aircraft leasing solutions continues to grow.
Turkish Airlines has released its August 2025 traffic results, highlighting strong growth across both passenger and cargo operations. The airline carried over 9 million passengers during the month, representing a 12.8% year-on-year increase, while the passenger load factor rose to 86.2%, up from 85.2% in August 2024.
Warsaw Cargo, a Poland-based startup carrier, has officially obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), marking a crucial milestone ahead of the company’s planned launch of freighter operations. The certificate, designated AOC number PL-083, provides Warsaw Cargo with the necessary regulatory approval to begin commercial services with its Airbus A321F fleet.
ITA Airways has announced a major expansion of its codeshare agreement with the Lufthansa Group, significantly enhancing connectivity to key intercontinental markets across Africa and Asia. The extended agreement, effective for travel from September 2, 2025, enables passengers of both airline groups to access a broader network of destinations via Rome Fiumicino, Frankfurt, Munich, and Brussels.
Afrijet Business Service, operating under the brand FLYGABON, has officially taken delivery of its first brand-new ATR 42-600, becoming the operator of the youngest ATR fleet in Africa. This delivery marks a pivotal step in the airline’s fleet modernization strategy, enabling it to fully transition away from its older ATR 42-500 units in favor of a next-generation ATR-600 fleet.
Emirates has unveiled a fresh wave of strategic commercial appointments, elevating UAE National leaders to key country management roles across West Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. These appointments, effective 1 August 2025, are aimed at reinforcing the airline’s international commercial presence while contributing to the UAE’s Emiratisation strategy by developing national talent in global roles.
Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed it will receive two electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2026, as part of a strategic partnership established with Archer Aviation in March 2025. The deal marks a significant step forward in the airline’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge aviation technologies and exploring sustainable transportation options.
Kenya Airways is set to return one of its three grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners to active service on 22 July 2025, marking a key milestone in the airline’s efforts to resolve ongoing capacity challenges. The other two grounded B787s are expected to rejoin the fleet in September and December 2025, respectively.
