（Hong Kong, 23 Aug 2024） - China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited ("CALC" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; SEHK stock code: 01848), a full value chain aircraft solutions provider for the global aviation industry, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (the "Review Period").

During the Review Period, the Group’s total revenue was HK$2,528.1million, representing an increase of 8.7% from the same period of last year. Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company for the Review Period amounted to HK$131.7million. Earnings per share was HK$0.177. The Board has resolved to declare an interim dividend of HK$0.12 per ordinary share, totalling HK$89.4 million.

Results Overview

(For the six months ended 30 June 2024)

• Total revenue increased 8.7% to HK$2,528.1 million compared with the first half of 2023.
• EBITDA increased 8.6% to HK$2,481.3 million compared with the same period of last year.
• Earnings per share was HK$0.177. Interim dividend per share was HK$0.12.
• Total assets increased 7% to HK$64 billion as at 30 June 2024 compared with 31 December 2023.
• Maintained sufficient liquidity with HK$6,114.5 million in cash and cash equivalents as at 30 June 2024, representing an increase of 15.5% compared with 31 December 2023.

Operational Highlights

(For the six months ended 30 June 2024)

• Highly liquid fleet portfolio. During the Review Period, the Group delivered a total of 12 new aircraft, which were new-generation fuel-efficient models. As at 30 June 2024, the Group’s fleet size reached 199 aircraft, including 172 owned aircraft and 27 managed aircraft. By number of aircraft, 90% of the Group’s owned fleet were narrow-body models, a highly liquid and in-demand asset class in the market.
• Strong order book asset quality. As at 30 June 2024, the Group had a total of 129 aircraft on backlog, including 102 Airbus and 27 COMAC aircraft.
• Tapping into the active aircraft trading market. The Group signed a total of 17 aircraft sales and purchase agreements during the Review Period, and successfully completed the sale of five of these aircraft, catering for the needs of investors with various preferences.
• Expanded global customer network with establishing partnerships with top-tier airlines. As at 30 June 2024, by number of aircraft, 68% of the Group’s owned fleet were leased to Chinese airlines customers (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), most of which were state-owned airlines with strong financial strength. The Group has achieved its first cooperation with global top-tier airlines such as Lufthansa Group and Cebu Pacific Air by redelivery as well as re-marketing upon first lease expiry. As at 30 June 2024, the Group’s customer base had been enlarged to 42 airlines spread over 22 countries and regions.
• Top performer secured by enhanced client profile. Benefiting from the continuous improvement in the overall client profiles and their business performance, the rental payments from all the airlines customers have been restored to regular levels, with the rent collection ratio of the Group for the Review Period amounted to 101.3% while the adjusted¹ rental yield of the Group reached 10.6%.
• Improving debt structure backed by dual-market platforms with diversified financing channels. During the Review Period, in view of the relatively low and stable interest rate environment and the abundant supply of liquidity in the PRC market, the Group successfully issued RMB0.3 billion 3-year and RMB1.2 billion 5-year MTNs, with continued decline in the coupon rate of 2.75% and 3.3% respectively, reflecting the recognition of the Group’s operational strength and development prospects by the PRC bond investors. As of 30 June 2024, the proportion of the Group’s RMB debts to the total interest-bearing debts has increased to nearly 27%.
• High level of liquidity. During the Review Period, total new facilities obtained and renewed facilities exceeded HK$17 billion. As at 30 June 2024, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of HK$6,114.5 million and undrawn borrowing facilities of HK$2,299.4 million. The total balance of cash and cash equivalents as well as undrawn borrowing facilities amounted to HK$8,413.9 million.
• First and only lessor of China’s overseas ARJ21 lease that completed China’s first cross-border leasing of China-made aircraft in Chinese Yuan. During the Review Period, the Group delivered the third ARJ21 aircraft by leasing export. It was the Group’s first RMB denominated export leasing transaction as well as China’s first cross-border leasing of a China-made aircraft settled in Chinese yuan, reflecting enhanced position of China’s aircraft in the world as well as RMB's role in international trade settlement.

Mr. Mike Poon, Executive Director and CEO of CALC said, “In the first half of 2024, CALC remained dedicated to its core business and secured stable performance. Our premium assets and strong liquidity have enabled us to generate long-term value for our shareholders. This period also commemorates the 10th anniversary of our listing, a milestone celebrated with over 300 global industry peers, strengthening our foundation for prospective growth and collaborations. As we look forward to the second half, we are confident in maintaining high-quality growth, expanding our global network and enhancing our service capabilities. We will actively improve our liquidity through portfolio trading and implement more flexible fleet and financing strategies, allowing CALC to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate the ever-evolving aviation landscape.”

During the Review Period, the Group celebrated its 10^th listing anniversary. Since listing, CALC has announced 20 payouts with accumulated DPS (Dividends Per Share) reached HK$4.41.

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[1] Note：including government grants.