Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd has closed its acquisition of Macquarie AirFinance Limited (MAF), taking full ownership of the aircraft lessor in a deal worth approximately $9 billion.
The move cements DAE's position as the third-largest aircraft lessor in the world.
The company confirmed on Wednesday that it had acquired 100 percent of MAF's outstanding share capital along with its consolidated subsidiaries. The final enterprise value reflects changes to MAF's fleet composition that took place between the deal's announcement and its closing.
With the acquisition finalized, DAE's combined fleet now stands at roughly 1,000 owned, managed, and committed aircraft. These aircraft are leased to more than 175 airlines operating across over 75 countries, giving DAE a significant global footprint in aviation leasing.
The company also holds commitments to acquire around 150 additional aircraft from manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, and ATR, along with other trading counterparties.
Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, described the closing as a major milestone in the company's growth. He noted that DAE's expanded fleet size now ranks it as the third-largest lessor globally, both by fleet value and by the number of owned and managed aircraft.
Tarapore added that the acquisition strengthens DAE's ties with Boeing and Airbus, with orderbook delivery slots now stretching into the 2030s. This extended timeline, he said, gives DAE greater flexibility to meet the fleet needs of its airline customers.
The transaction was first announced in February 2026. DAE was advised throughout the process by Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP and KPMG.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
