8 May 2012, Hong Kong – China Everbright Limited (“Everbright”, HKSE code: 165) announced that its affiliated company, China Aircraft Leasing Company, (“CALC”) has brought in China Aerospace Investment Holdings Limited (航天投资控股有限公司 or “CAIH”) as a strategic investor. CAIH acquired an 8.05% stake in CALC via a subsidiary company. Upon completion of the transaction, Friedmann Pacific Asset Management Company Limited and Everbright will hold around 48% and 44% respectively of CALC’s equity. 

 

CALC was established in 2006 to operate principally in the aircraft leasing business for airline companies. Headquartered in Hong Kong, CALC has representative offices in Beijing, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Germany and Ireland. In December 2010, CALC established a subsidiary at Tianjin Dongjiang Free Trade Port. In June 2011, Everbright acquired a 48% shareholding in CALC to become its major strategic shareholder. Everbright’s investment helped CALC to transform as a state-owned leasing company, supporting it to expand its aircraft fleet, laying solid foundation for expanding CALC’s market share around the globe and influence. 

 

CALC has put a growth strategy in place and plans to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft in the next three years. Everbright is positive about the outlook for China’s aerocraft leasing business. By introducing CAIH as a strategic investor, Everbright and CAIH will be able to provide strong support for CALC’s future development through increased collaboration, which will maximize synergies to benefit all parties.