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Dubai Aerospace Enterprise announced the completion of its purchase of Macquarie AirFinance from Macquarie Asset Management, according to a statement issued by DAE on Tuesday. The transaction, originally signed in February at an enterprise value of approximately $7 billion, closed at $9 billion after securing all necessary regulatory approvals. DAE’s figures show the addition of Macquarie AirFinance’s portfolio of 352 commercial aircraft, including orders, has lifted the combined total to roughly 1,000 owned, managed and committed planes.
The acquisition establishes DAE as the world’s third-largest aircraft lessor by fleet value and aircraft numbers, a DAE assessment found. Macquarie AirFinance, set up in 2006, operated aircraft across 48 countries serving major global airlines before the sale, Macquarie Asset Management reported. The deal adds 37 new airline customers and exposure to seven additional countries, bringing DAE’s reach to more than 175 carriers in over 75 nations.
Commitments to acquire around 150 new aircraft from Boeing, Airbus and ATR, with deliveries scheduled through the 2030s, form part of the expanded order book, according to DAE data. The company funded the all-cash transaction through a combination of debt and equity while preserving its investment-grade credit ratings, DAE stated. Firoz Tarapore, DAE group chief executive officer, said the firm was thrilled with the outcome, describing the platform as bigger, stronger and more diversified with an enhanced order book that doubles fleet size versus year-end 2024.
Peter Glaser, global head of credit and insurance at Macquarie Asset Management, said in a statement, “Macquarie AirFinance’s strong position in the global aircraft leasing market reflects Macquarie Asset Management’s long-standing expertise in the sector and its ability to develop and invest in the platforms it manages.” Macquarie Asset Management, which held a 50 percent stake in the lessor through its funds, will continue pursuing opportunities in aviation lending, leasing and infrastructure, the firm announced. The transaction complements DAE’s recent financing arrangements with Blackstone and Neuberger Berman, according to the Dubai company.
Both parties confirmed the deal closed in the second half of 2026 following customary closing conditions and regulatory clearances. DAE was advised by Allen & Overy Shearman Sterling and KPMG on the acquisition, the company noted. Macquarie AirFinance’s established relationships with Airbus and Boeing are expected to strengthen the combined entity’s position in supporting global airline fleet requirements.
