China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) has achieved a significant milestone in offshore aircraft leasing, leveraging its special purpose vehicle (SPV) in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area to deliver multiple aircraft to major international airlines, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, South African Airways, and Royal Jordanian Airlines.

An aircraft delivered to the United Airlines via the offshore leasing model. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]

This landmark deal, following CALC's earlier delivery of a C909 aircraft to Indonesia's TransNusa in May 2024, solidifies Lin-gang's position as a hub for cross-border and offshore aircraft leasing.

The innovative "offshore + onshore" linked credit model employs facilitated specialized financing from multiple financial institutions, creating a system where aircraft ownership remains domestic while operations are conducted overseas.

This approach effectively manages asset risks and reduces rental costs, marking a substantial advancement in Lin-gang's offshore leasing business innovation and service to the aviation sector. Benefiting from the special policy advantages in Lin-gang's Yangshan Free Trade Zone, CALC enjoys streamlined cross-border capital flow, tax arrangements, and risk isolation.

This breakthrough offers a replicable model for domestic aircraft leasing firms looking to compete globally, injecting fresh momentum into Shanghai's efforts to strengthen its role as an international financial center and aviation hub. Moving forward, Lin-gang is poised to further explore cross-border finance, propelling the aviation industry towards specialization, clustering, and scaling.