DAE Achieves Impressive Growth and Fleet Expansion in 2025

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd has wrapped up the year 2025 with remarkable achievements, showcasing notable fleet expansions, key acquisitions, and a solid financial trajectory, thereby amplifying its role in the global aviation industry.

Among its major transactions, DAE Capital finalized the impactful US$2.0 billion acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital. This strategic move greatly enhanced DAE's aircraft portfolio, bolstering its status as a leading aircraft lessor worldwide.

In 2025, DAE Capital successfully acquired 280 aircraft, comprising 261 owned and 19 managed. The company also optimized its portfolio by disposing of 112 aircraft, which included 95 owned and 17 managed units. Leasing remained robust, with 273 agreements signed for its owned and managed fleet.

A few noteworthy deals included a long-term sale and leaseback with United Airlines for 10 Boeing 737-9 planes and leasing 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to AJet. Furthermore, DAE executed a US$610 million two-tranche aircraft ABS transaction for a client under its management.

DAE Engineering also experienced a significant year, with over 1.8 million man-hours logged and more than 320 aircraft checks performed. This division catered to over 60 airline clients from 30 countries worldwide, bolstered by the new five-bay hangar that increased overall capability by 30 percent.

Consolidating its financial stability, DAE raised US$3.9 billion in debt financing with an average maturity of 5.3 years. The firm notably emerged in the sukuk market with a US$650 million five-year benchmark issuance while receiving a Positive Outlook from KBRA, underscoring confidence in its credit framework.

With significant fleet expansions, strong access to capital markets, and upgraded engineering capabilities, DAE’s 2025 outcomes illustrate a year of consistent execution and strategic growth within its primary aviation operations.