Seven Billion Dollar Deal Creates Global Aircraft Leasing Giant
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Macquarie AirFinance (MAF) for $7 billion, pending regulatory approvals. The deal will create a combined portfolio of 1,029 owned, managed, and committed aircraft, with 191 airline customers in 79 countries. DAE’s fleet will more than double in size compared to year-end 2024, with narrowbody aircraft representing approximately 70% of the combined fleet. The acquisition was announced by DAE on February 26, 2026, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, as reported by AeroTime.