Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has announced a landmark deal to acquire Macquarie AirFinance for an enterprise value of $7 billion, a move set to reshape the competitive landscape of global aircraft leasing and bolster DAE’s standing among the world’s largest lessors.
The aircraft leasing sector has witnessed a wave of consolidation in recent years as major players vie for scale and market share. DAE’s move to acquire Macquarie AirFinance, which follows earlier rumors of Macquarie exploring a sale, will more than double DAE’s aircraft portfolio compared to its size at the end of 2024. This significant expansion is expected to solidify DAE’s position as the third-largest aircraft lessor globally.
Upon completion, the enlarged DAE will command a fleet of 1,029 aircraft—including owned, managed, and committed units. Notably, about 70% of these will be narrowbody aircraft, reflecting robust global demand for efficient, single-aisle jets operated by airlines for short and medium-haul routes.
A breakdown of the expanded fleet:
| Fleet Type | Proportion (%) |
|---|---|
| Narrowbody Jets | 70 |
| Other Aircraft | 30 |
Additionally, DAE is set to welcome 37 new airline customers, substantially boosting its reach across the aviation market.
DAE will finance the acquisition through a mix of debt and equity, leveraging its robust balance sheet. Notable advisors on the deal include prominent law firms and financial consultants, illustrating the complexity and scale of the transaction.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. If successful, DAE’s enlarged portfolio will help it better weather industry cycles and navigate evolving airline leasing demands.
The purchase of Macquarie AirFinance by DAE exemplifies ongoing consolidation trends among aviation lessors, as companies seek broader portfolios and customer bases. With Macquarie’s diversified fleet and established relationships with airlines globally, DAE stands to gain not just in size, but also in market influence and operational resiliency.
While aircraft leasing remains a capital-intensive and highly competitive sector, the new DAE-Macquarie entity is well-positioned to respond to shifting airline requirements, manage risk across diverse geographies, and capture growth across the commercial aviation rebound projected over the next decade.