- Romania’s national carrier welcomes first 737-8 as it renews its single-aisle fleet
BUCHAREST, Romania, September 12, 2026 – Boeing [NYSE: BA], TAROM and CDB Aviation today marked the delivery of the airline’s first 737-8, the first Boeing 737 MAX in Romania, a milestone in the national carrier’s fleet modernization and long-term growth strategy.
“The addition of the first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to the TAROM fleet is a pivotal moment in the company’s transformation process,” said Cristian Anghel, TAROM CEO. “Fleet renewal and efficient operational capacity are essential components of our restructuring plan, enabling us to achieve operational efficiency. By integrating this model into our fleet, TAROM offers its passengers a superior travel experience. This aircraft’s advanced technology and low environmental footprint align perfectly with our vision for sustainable operations and our commitment to maintaining a young, state-of-the-art fleet that connects Romania to the world.”
“The fact that the aircraft bears the name of Mircea Lucescu also adds a symbolic dimension. We are talking about performance, discipline, and trust – values that also define this new chapter for TAROM,” Anghel added.
TAROM’s 737-8 is the first of two airplanes leased from CDB Aviation to renew the airline’s single-aisle fleet, which currently includes four 737 Next-Generation jets. The 737 MAX provides operational consistency and increased efficiency, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.
“We are delighted to support TAROM as it takes delivery of its first 737-8 and continues its fleet modernization strategy,” said Gavan Daly, CDB Aviation’s Head of Commercial, EMEA. “This delivery underscores our long-standing partnership with Boeing and our commitment to providing TAROM with efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft that enhance operational performance and offer a better experience for passengers.”
TAROM will fly its growing 737 MAX fleet on routes connecting Bucharest with major European capitals, providing an enhanced passenger experience.
“We are honored to see TAROM welcome the 737 MAX into service. This milestone reflects the trust the airline has in the 737 family and in our partnership as it charts its next chapter,” said Mario Antonio Ebcim, Boeing sales director for Eurasia and India. “We are continuing to deliver on our promise of safety, reliability and comfort to the more than 1 million passengers who fly on our airplanes every day.”
Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook projects that Eurasian airlines will need to expand their in-service fleet from about 6,800 airplanes today to nearly 11,000 by 2045 to meet travel demand. Single-aisle airplanes like the 737 MAX are expected to account for nearly 81% of newly delivered airplanes to the region to support fleet growth and renewal.
About TAROM
TAROM, the Romanian National Air Transport Company, was founded in 1954 and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Transportation. Romania’s national carrier operates a fleet of 10 aircraft, and serves more than 50 destinations, either with its own aircraft or through code-share partners. TAROM has been a member of the SkyTeam Alliance since June 25, 2010, and a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since 1993.
About CDB Aviation
CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CDB Leasing”), a 41-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. CDB Aviation is rated Investment Grade by Moody’s (A2), S&P Global (A), and Fitch (A+). China Development Bank is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China and is one of the world’s largest development finance institutions. It is also the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation, long-term lending and bond issuance, enjoying Chinese sovereign credit rating. CDB Leasing is the only leasing arm of the China Development Bank and a leading company in China’s leasing industry that has been engaged in aircraft, infrastructure, ship, commercial vehicle and construction machinery leasing and enjoys a Chinese sovereign credit rating. It took an important step in July 2016 to globalize and marketize its business – listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
About Boeing
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
