Dubai Aerospace Enterprise to Buy Macquarie AirFinance

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Macquarie AirFinance Limited (MAF) in a deal valued at approximately US$7 billion.

Once the transaction is completed, the combined company will have a pro forma fleet of 1,029 owned, managed, and committed aircraft. The expanded platform will serve 191 airline customers across 79 countries. Narrowbody aircraft will account for around 70% of the total combined fleet.

Through this acquisition, DAE is expected to add 37 new airline customers to its portfolio, including customers in seven new countries, further strengthening its global footprint.

The transaction will be funded through a balanced mix of debt and equity. DAE said the funding structure is designed to support its current investment-grade credit ratings, with the aim of achieving an upgrade following significant expansion over the past 18 months.

Khalifa AlDaboos, Managing Director of DAE, said the deal reflects the shareholder’s long-term commitment to making DAE one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies. He added that the acquisition supports DAE’s strategy of buying established platforms that enhance its franchise and deliver strong shareholder value.

Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, said the company is pleased to integrate MAF’s fleet and team. He stated that the larger and more diversified company will be better positioned to offer competitive solutions to a broader customer base. He also noted that once completed, the deal will more than double DAE’s fleet size compared to year-end 2024.

The transaction has been approved by DAE’s Board of Directors. It is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

DAE was advised on the transaction by Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP and KPMG.