Dubai-based aircraft leasing group DAE Capital is reportedly nearing an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Macquarie AirFinance, according to two industry sources. Neither company provided an immediate response when approached for comment.
In January, Reuters indicated that DAE had progressed to the final stages of the bidding process for Macquarie’s aircraft leasing portfolio. Other shortlisted contenders included Saudi Arabia’s AviLease and Qatar-based Lesha Bank.
The potential transaction comes after a competitive bidding phase, driven by robust demand for aircraft. Commercial manufacturers Boeing and Airbus continue to face production constraints, limiting jet supply at a time when airlines are expanding fleets. This imbalance has enabled aircraft leasing businesses to command higher valuation multiples, creating favourable exit conditions for current owners.
In 2017, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise strengthened its global footprint through the acquisition of Dublin-headquartered AWAS, then ranked as the world’s tenth-largest aircraft lessor.
