DAE to Acquire Macquarie AirFinance in $7B Deal
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) is set to complete a $7 billion takeover of rival lessor Macquarie AirFinance (MAF) after signing a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the Dublin-based aircraft leasing company, marking one of the largest transactions in the aviation leasing sector in recent years.
On February 26, 2026, DAE confirmed that its Board of Directors had approved the transaction. The deal is now subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Once finalized, the acquisition will significantly expand DAE’s global footprint and reinforce its position among the world’s leading aircraft lessors.
Following completion, the combined entity will manage a portfolio of 1,029 owned, managed and committed aircraft, serving 191 airline customers across 79 countries. The enlarged platform will substantially increase DAE’s scale and diversification, with narrowbody aircraft expected to account for approximately 70% of the total fleet. This composition reflects continued strong demand for single-aisle aircraft used primarily on short- and medium-haul routes.
Khalifa AlDaboos, Managing Director of DAE, said the acquisition aligns with the company’s long-standing strategy of acquiring established, high-quality platforms that enhance its franchise and generate long-term shareholder value. He emphasized that the transaction builds on DAE’s track record of disciplined growth through strategic fleet and platform acquisitions.
Upon completion, DAE will add 37 new airline customers to its portfolio, including carriers in seven new countries, further strengthening its geographic reach. The integration of Macquarie AirFinance’s fleet and personnel is expected to enhance operational capabilities and deepen relationships across global aviation markets.
DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore said the combined company will emerge as a larger, stronger, and more diversified aircraft leasing group with a well-capitalized balance sheet and an enhanced order book. He noted that the increased scale will allow DAE to offer competitively priced leasing solutions while benefiting from operational synergies.
Tarapore added that DAE’s platform is well positioned to integrate the transaction efficiently and that, once completed, the deal will more than double DAE’s fleet size compared to year-end 2024, underscoring the transformational nature of the acquisition.
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