Hong Kong – 25 January 2017, China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (“CALC” or the “Group”, SEHK stock code: 01848), the largest independent aircraft operating lessor in China, is pleased to announce that the Group has signed a long term lease (“the Lease”) with Thai AirAsia for the lease of one Airbus A320 aircraft. This aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2017.

Signing of the Lease marks CALC’s first cooperation with AirAsia Group, Asia's largest low-cost airline. It demonstrates the recognition of CALC’s capability in delivering first-rate full life cycle aircraft solutions to airline customers worldwide and lays the foundation for future cooperation between the Group and Thai AirAsia.

Ms. Winnie LIU, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of CALC, commented, “We are very honored to partner with Thai AirAsia and to support its fleet plan with our new Airbus A320 aircraft. Signing of the Lease reflects the utmost trust Thai AirAsia has placed in us, and also proves that the Group has taken advantage of the opportunities in the high-growth aircraft leasing market in Asia and strengthened our presence in Southeast Asia, a high growth region for air travel. The Group began its successful expansion into Southeast Asia in 2015, and the Lease with Thai AirAsia marks another important step towards expanding the Group’s global client base.”

Ms. Liu added, “As a leading aircraft operating lessor, the Group has established a platform that covers the full value-chain needs of our airline customers. The Thai AirAsia collaboration reaffirms the ability and flexibility of the Group to provide diversified aircraft solutions to address the different needs of customers in a dynamic market conditions.”

In 2016, CALC delivered 18 aircraft in total, which increased our fleet size to 81 as of the end of the year. The Group is proactively implementing its fleet expansion plan, and is expected to expand to 173 aircraft by 2022.