Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Macquarie AirFinance Limited in a transaction valued at approximately $7 billion in enterprise value, marking one of the largest deals in the aircraft leasing sector in recent years.

Following completion, the combined entity is expected to manage a pro forma fleet of 1,029 owned, managed, and committed aircraft, serving 191 airline customers across 79 countries. Narrowbody aircraft will represent around 70% of the total fleet, strengthening the company’s exposure to the most in-demand segment of the market.

DAE expects to add 37 new airline customers to its portfolio, including operators in 7 new countries, further expanding its geographic reach.

The acquisition will be financed through a combination of debt and equity, structured to preserve DAE’s current investment-grade credit ratings and maintain balance sheet strength.

Khalifa AlDaboos, Managing Director of DAE, said the transaction reflects shareholder commitment to reinforcing the company’s position among the world’s leading aircraft lessors. He added that the deal aligns with DAE’s strategy of acquiring established platforms and high-quality fleets that enhance franchise value and generate sustainable returns for shareholders.

Chief Executive Officer Firoz Tarapore said integrating MAF’s fleet and workforce will create a larger, more diversified, and well-capitalised leasing platform. He noted that the expanded scale and order book will allow the company to serve a broader customer base with competitively priced offerings. The transaction is expected to more than double DAE’s fleet size compared with year-end 2024 levels.