Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has reported a robust set of business transactions for 2025, marking a defining year of growth that strengthened its position among the world’s leading aviation services companies.
DAE Capital closed the year after completing a US$2 billion acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital, significantly expanding its global footprint. The division acquired 280 aircraft and sold 112 during the year, while also signing 273 lease agreements, extensions and amendments. Notable transactions included a long-term sale and leaseback deal with United Airlines for 10 Boeing 737-9 aircraft and the placement of 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft on long-term lease with AJet. DAE also priced a US$610 million two-tranche aircraft asset-backed securities transaction for a managed asset client.
DAE Engineering recorded another year of operational strength, booking more than 1.8 million man hours and performing over 320 aircraft checks. The division served more than 60 airline customers from over 30 countries across five continents. Capacity was expanded with the inauguration of a new five-bay hangar, increasing overall capability by 30 percent.
At the group level, DAE raised US$3.9 billion in debt financing with a weighted average maturity of 5.3 years. The company also accessed the sukuk market through a US$650 million five-year benchmark issuance and was placed on a Positive Outlook by KBRA.
Chief Executive Officer Firoz Tarapore said 2025 marked a pivotal year for the group, noting that DAE Capital achieved 35 percent fleet growth and now ranks among the top five global aircraft lessors by fleet count, while DAE Engineering maintained its leadership as the region’s largest independent airframe MRO.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
