Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Limited is set to finalize an agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Macquarie Airfinance Limited, with a total deal value close to $7 billion.
Upon completion of this acquisition, the company will manage an initial fleet consisting of 1,029 aircraft, which are owned, managed, or under commitment, offering services to 191 clients across 79 countries. Narrow-body aircraft will represent approximately 70% of the combined fleet. With this transaction, an additional 37 airlines are expected to join Dubai Aerospace’s client portfolio, thus expanding its presence into seven new countries.
The deal will be financed through a disciplined financial approach that includes a mix of debt and equity, ensuring that Dubai Aerospace maintains its current credit ratings while supporting its upgrade trajectory, fueled by robust growth observed over the last eighteen months.
Strategic Milestone
Khalifa Al-Dabbous, the Managing Director of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, stated, “This acquisition marks a strategically significant milestone that strengthens our position among the elite aircraft leasing companies globally. It underscores our continued disciplined financial approach in acquiring high-quality platforms and fleets that add substantial value to our operations, enhance our competitive standing, and yield sustainable returns for our shareholders.”
Ceiling Tarabor, CEO of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, remarked, “Incorporating the fleet and capabilities of Macquarie Airfinance is a strategic move that significantly broadens Dubai Aerospace’s operational range and global presence. It solidifies our position as a larger, more diverse, and robust aircraft leasing company with a solid capital base. This expansion, coupled with a reinforced order book, enhances our ability to serve a broader spectrum of clients through competitive solutions backed by superior operational and financial efficiency. Our operational platform, equipped with advanced institutional capabilities, is well-prepared to absorb this transaction efficiently, and upon completion, we anticipate more than doubling the size of our fleet compared to the end of 2024.”
The board of directors at Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has approved the transaction, which is subject to standard closing conditions, including obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, with an expected completion in the second half of 2026. The firms Allen & Overy and KPMG provided advisory services to Dubai Aerospace regarding this agreement.