Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of Macquarie AirFinance Limited (MAF) in a transaction valued at approximately US$7 billion, a move set to more than double DAE’s fleet.
The combined company will operate a pro forma fleet of 1,029 aircraft, including owned, managed, and committed units, serving 191 airline customers across 79 countries. Narrowbody aircraft will comprise roughly 70 percent of the total fleet.
The acquisition will introduce 37 new airline clients to DAE, expanding the company’s presence into seven additional countries. The deal is structured with a mix of debt and equity to maintain DAE’s investment grade credit ratings.
Khalifa AlDaboos, Managing Director of DAE, highlighted the strategic value, stating the acquisition reflects the shareholder’s commitment to positioning DAE among the world’s leading aircraft leasing firms while enhancing franchise value.
Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer, said the integration of MAF’s fleet and staff will create a more diversified and capitalised leasing platform, enabling DAE to offer competitively priced services to an expanded customer base. He added that the enhanced scale and order book would strengthen the company’s market position.
The transaction has received approval from DAE’s Board of Directors and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Completion is expected in the second half of 2026.
DAE was advised on the deal by Allen & Overy, Shearman & Sterling LLP, and KPMG.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
