China banks pilot jet lessors in chase of US$228b market

Singapore

FRESH from taking on the world in financial services, China's cashed-up banks are targeting a bigger slice of the surging global aviation market, beefing up affiliates bent on supplying planes to airlines around the planet.

Chinese lenders have grown big in traditional business such as investment banking and brokerage, flush with Beijing backing and cheap funding. Now institutions are investing in operators that specialise in jet leasing, a newer financial service that was once the exclusive preserve of Western players.

Bank of China's BOC Aviation arm is set to go public this year with an estimated US$3 billion listing, the industry's bi…