Global aviation services firm Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd (DAE) has announced new agreements to acquire 17 aircraft for approximately $1 billion. The deals, signed with multiple counterparties, align with DAE’s strategy to modernize its fleet with next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.
The newly acquired aircraft portfolio consists entirely of next-generation models, with 89% being narrowbody planes. Airbus manufactures 80% of the fleet, while Boeing accounts for the remaining 20%. These 17 aircraft are currently leased to 11 airlines operating across 10 countries.
Upon completion of the acquisitions, DAE’s weighted average passenger fleet age is expected to decrease to 6.9 years, while the remaining lease term will increase to 6.6 years. The company’s pro-forma fleet composition will comprise 46% Airbus, 49% Boeing, and 5% ATR 72-600 aircraft.
Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “Consistent with our commitment to improve the next-generation content of our fleet and reduce the fleet average age, we are delighted to add these modern, fuel-efficient assets to our portfolio. This transaction also allows us to further deepen our relationship with our global airline customers, and we welcome three airline customers back to DAE.”
Tarapore also emphasized DAE’s proactive approach in sourcing high-value aircraft amid ongoing delivery delays in the global orderbook.
DAE currently serves over 170 airlines worldwide from its headquarters in Dubai, Dublin, Amman, Singapore, Seattle, Miami, and New York. The latest acquisitions reinforce its position as a leading player in aviation leasing, demonstrating its commitment to fleet modernization and alignment with evolving industry trends.
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