Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, a leading global aviation services company based in Dubai, today announced the acquisition of 10 new Boeing 737-9 aircraft from United Airlines through a purchase and leaseback agreement. The deal includes a long-term lease agreement for all 10 aircraft, which are scheduled to be delivered between August 2025 and February 2026.
Strategic Expansion Through US Partnership
The agreement, officially confirmed today, strengthens DAE’s presence in the North American aviation sector. As part of the transaction, DAE has entered into a purchase and leaseback arrangement with United Airlines, one of the world’s largest and most recognized carriers.Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, emphasized the importance of this deal in reinforcing their relationship with United and their commitment to the region:“We are delighted to continue building on our valued relationship with United. Today’s announcement of the purchase-lease back agreement of 10 Boeing 737-9 aircraft follows our recent acquisition of an Airbus A321neo on lease to United, and reflects our continued commitment to the North American market. We congratulate United on their continued success and look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.”This transaction is the latest in a series of strategic aircraft acquisitions aimed at modernizing and diversifying DAE’s growing fleet portfolio, and it follows shortly after the lessor acquired an Airbus A321neo leased to United Airlines.
About the Boeing 737-9: Efficiency and Performance
The newly acquired aircraft are Boeing 737-9s, part of the 737 MAX family, which has been specifically engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern aviation. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and equipped with advanced technology winglets, these aircraft offer significant improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions performance.The 737 MAX series is recognized for delivering up to 20% reductions in fuel consumption and emissions compared to the older jets it replaces, while also enhancing passenger comfort in the single-aisle segment and offering stronger economic returns for airlines. This transaction further deepens DAE’s longstanding relationship with Boeing, with the manufacturer now accounting for 225 of the approximately 750 aircraft that DAE currently owns, manages, or is committed to adding to its portfolio.
A Snapshot of DAE’s Expanding Global Fleet
DAE Capital’s portfolio remains one of the youngest and most diverse in the aircraft leasing industry, with an average owned fleet age of around 6.3 years. The company continues to invest actively in high-demand, next-generation aircraft, maintaining a strong focus on modern types such as the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Serving over 160 airline customers across more than 70 countries, DAE Capital supports a wide range of airline business models, from emerging low-cost carriers to established full-service national airlines, offering tailored solutions to meet their evolving financial and fleet planning needs.
Current Fleet Breakdown:
- Boeing 737 Family: DAE operates a fleet of 187 Boeing 737 aircraft, which includes both the Next Generation (NG) and MAX models. These aircraft are leased to a wide range of global carriers including Southwest Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, WestJet, American Airlines, Oman Air, and Virgin Australia.
- Airbus A320 Family: The company’s portfolio includes 190 Airbus A320 family aircraft. These are placed with several major international airlines such as ANA, easyJet, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, and Delta Air Lines.
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner (787-8 and 787-9): DAE owns 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners across both the 787-8 and 787-9 variants. These aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and GE Genx engines and are leased to airlines operating long-haul international routes, flying non-stop to cities all around the world.
- Airbus A350 XWB: The fleet includes five Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. Each is equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, offering a range of up to 15,000 kilometers and a seating capacity of approximately 325 passengers, making them ideal for medium- and long-haul operations.
- ATR 72-600: DAE also has a significant turboprop fleet, with 67 ATR 72-600 aircraft. These are deployed on regional short-haul routes and are capable of operating in a wide variety of climates and on diverse runway types.
- Boeing 777 Freighter: The portfolio includes 13 Boeing 777 Freighters. These widebody cargo aircraft offer long-range, high-capacity freight solutions and are essential for supporting global logistics and air cargo networks.
- Boeing 777 (Passenger Variant): DAE owns three Boeing 777 passenger aircraft. While fewer in number, these widebody aircraft support long-haul operations and remain a valuable asset class for legacy carriers.
- Airbus A330 Family: The company’s fleet includes 23 aircraft from the Airbus A330 family. These versatile widebody aircraft are used for medium- and long-haul routes and are popular among carriers looking for capacity flexibility.
- Boeing 747 Freighter: DAE owns three Boeing 747 Freighter aircraft. Known for their high-volume cargo capabilities, these aircraft play a vital role in supporting global freight operations.
Company Overview: A Global Aviation Powerhouse
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd (DAE) is a leading global aviation services company, headquartered in Dubai, with a network of offices spanning Dubai, Dublin, Limerick, Amman, Singapore, Miami, and Seattle. The company operates through two principal divisions: DAE Capital and DAE Engineering. DAE Capital is an award-winning aircraft lessor that owns, manages, and has commitments for a fleet of approximately 750 aircraft, with a total fleet value estimated at US$22 billion.DAE Engineering provides Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services from its state-of-the-art facility in Amman, Jordan, which can accommodate up to 22 wide and narrow-body aircraft. The engineering division is certified to service 15 different aircraft types and holds regulatory approvals from more than 25 aviation authorities worldwide
