In 2025, Crédit Agricole CIB celebrates fifty years of activity in aircraft financing.
On June 17, 2025, on the occasion of the Paris Air Show, Crédit Agricole CIB will welcome its partners to the Palais Garnier to mark this anniversary in an exceptional setting.
More than just a symbolic milestone, this anniversary reflects the journey of an activity born from a strategic vision, strengthened by lasting human connections, and more relevant than ever in a sector undergoing major transformation.
As early as 1975, the first aircraft financing operations were launched within Crédit Lyonnais. At the same time, Banque Indosuez began developing this activity in the 1980s, particularly in Japan. This dual legacy, brought together in 2004 under the Calyon brand and later Crédit Agricole CIB, shaped the platform we know today.
Since then, Crédit Agricole CIB has stood by its clients through all circumstances, weathering economic crises, geopolitical upheavals, and health challenges. This consistency is rooted in a core belief: building a technical, human, and international platform requires time, rigour, and loyalty.
Financing the aviation industry requires far more than capital: it demands in-depth knowledge of sector cycles, assets, international regulations, and the expectations of rating agencies. Crédit Agricole CIB structures sophisticated solutions—such as JOLCOs, EETCs, and French tax leases—tailored to the specific needs of airlines, lessors, and manufacturers.
The stability of our teams is one of Crédit Agricole CIB’s key strengths. Bankers support their clients over several decades, building long-term relationships of trust, grounded in a deep understanding of the players and their challenges.
Crédit Agricole CIB’s strength also lies in its enduring commitment to the aviation sector—a responsibility consistently upheld during pivotal moments in the industry's history.
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Crédit Agricole CIB was among the few lenders to maintain open credit lines. During the SARS and COVID-19 crises, the Bank remained fully engaged, providing stability in times of disruption. Even through market downturns such as the 2008 financial crisis and the sovereign debt crisis, Crédit Agricole CIB never paused its activity, standing firm as a reliable partner through every cycle.
Crédit Agricole CIB is actively supporting the reduction of carbon intensity in air transport by financing lower-emission aircraft, promoting the use of sustainable alternative fuels, and encouraging innovation in new propulsion technologies. As a founding member of the Pegasus Guidelines, Crédit Agricole CIB is committed to helping its clients reach their Net Zero goals.
- More than 120 active customers, from major companies to emerging operators,
- Several tens of billions of dollars in cumulative financing,
- A presence in all the sector's strategic markets.
On June 17, 2025, at the Palais Garnier, we will be honoured to celebrate 50 years of shared trust.
Thank you for being part of this story—built on high standards, innovation, and lasting partnership.
