DAE and Blackstone Unveil $1.6 Billion Aircraft Leasing Initiative

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, alongside Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI), has launched a significant global aircraft investment initiative named “Equator”, aiming for annual investments of roughly US$1.6 billion.

The Equator initiative is set to create a varied portfolio of commercial aircraft leased to top airlines worldwide. DAE will acquire aircraft from third-party sources, while its Aircraft Investor Services (AIS) division will take charge of managing the assets associated with Equator.

Firoz Tarapore, the CEO of DAE, remarked, “The substantial and adaptable capital from Blackstone lays a robust groundwork for expanding our third-party fleet management operations. Our extensive fleet, global presence, and dedicated client services allow DAE to uniquely facilitate Equator’s enduring success.”

Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director at BXCI, shared, “This initiative enhances our aviation capabilities with DAE, a prominent lessor known for its technical expertise. Equator reflects BXCI’s commitment to allocating flexible capital towards high-caliber, tangible asset investments.”

BXCI will deliver comprehensive capital solutions, ensuring adaptable and consistent financing throughout varying market conditions. Its investor group will consist of funds managed by ITE Management, L.P., a key partner of BXCI.

DAE manages an extensive fleet of around 700 aircraft, which includes over 100 aircraft valued at more than US$4 billion as of December 31, 2025, positioning it as one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors. The company also provides management services for 17 institutional and financial stakeholders.

BXCI’s Infrastructure and Asset-Based Credit Group oversees investments exceeding US$100 billion, backed by over 90 investment professionals who specialize in investment-grade credit, structured finance, and real economy assets such as infrastructure, commercial, and real estate lending.