Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) closed 2025 with one of the strongest performances in its history, underscoring both its expanding global footprint and Dubai’s growing influence as a centre for aviation finance, leasing and maintenance.
The Dubai-based aviation services company reported major gains across aircraft acquisitions, leasing activity, engineering operations and capital markets, reflecting sustained airline demand and a robust post-pandemic recovery in global air travel.
During the year, DAE Capital completed and integrated the $2.0 billion acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital, a transaction that significantly expanded its scale and customer base. The group acquired 280 aircraft during the year, including 261 owned assets and 19 managed aircraft, while selling 112 aircraft as part of active portfolio management.
Leasing activity remained strong, with 273 lease agreements, extensions and amendments signed across its owned and managed fleets, highlighting continued demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
Strategic transactions included a long-term sale and leaseback agreement with United Airlines covering 10 Boeing 737-9 aircraft, as well as the placement of 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft on long-term lease with AJet. DAE also priced a $610 million two-tranche aircraft asset-backed securitisation for a managed asset client, reinforcing its role as a leading arranger of sophisticated aviation finance structures.
DAE Engineering delivered another record year, booking more than 1.8 million man-hours and carrying out over 320 aircraft checks. The division served more than 60 airline customers from over 30 countries, spanning five continents. Capacity was further expanded with the inauguration of a new five-bay hangar in Dubai, increasing overall capability by around 30 per cent and strengthening the emirate’s position as a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub.
At the group level, DAE raised $3.9 billion in debt financing with a weighted average maturity of 5.3 years, enhancing liquidity and balance sheet resilience. The company also accessed the Islamic capital markets with a $650 million five-year sukuk issuance and was placed on Positive Outlook by credit rating agency KBRA.
Chief executive Firoz Tarapore described 2025 as a defining year, noting that DAE Capital achieved 35 per cent fleet growth and now ranks among the top five global aircraft lessors by fleet count. He added that DAE Engineering has consolidated its position as the leading independent airframe MRO provider in the region.
Industry experts say DAE’s performance reflects wider momentum across Dubai’s aviation ecosystem. “Dubai has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of global air traffic, aviation finance and technical services,” said a chief analyst at global aviation data firm. “The growth we’re seeing at DAE mirrors broader trends, with airlines favouring leasing over ownership and relying on high-quality MRO providers located in efficient hubs like Dubai.”
According to aviation consultancy Cirium, Middle East airlines continue to post some of the highest fleet growth rates globally, driven by network expansion, new routes and strong passenger demand. This has created a favourable environment for lessors and service providers headquartered in the region.
“DAE benefits from being embedded in a market that combines access to capital, supportive regulation and world-class infrastructure,” said a senior aviation analyst. “Its ability to scale both leasing and engineering operations puts it in a strong position as airlines modernise fleets and prioritise operational reliability.”
As Dubai advances its ambition to become the world’s leading aviation hub, DAE’s 2025 results signal how homegrown aviation champions are playing an increasingly influential role on the global stage.
