Seven Billion Dollar Deal Creates Global Aircraft Leasing Giant

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Macquarie AirFinance (MAF) for $7 billion, pending regulatory approvals. The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2026, will create a portfolio of 1,029 owned, managed, and committed aircraft with 191 airline customers in 79 countries. DAE’s Managing Director, Khalifa AlDaboos, and CEO, Firoz Tarapore, expressed enthusiasm for the transaction, citing the potential for increased scale, diversification, and competitiveness. The acquisition was reported by AeroTime.