Fleet expansion, strategic investment, and $3.9 billion in financing mark 2025 as a landmark year for the Dubai-based aviation group.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has capped off 2025 with a series of major milestones that underscore its growing influence in the global aviation sector. The Dubai-based company has successfully closed a $2 billion acquisition, expanded its aircraft fleet by an impressive 35 per cent, and raised $3.9 billion in financing—moves that collectively propel DAE into the top five aircraft leasing companies worldwide.
The company described 2025 as a defining year of transformation, marked by accelerated growth across its core business lines, including aircraft leasing, engineering services, and capital markets activity. The $2 billion acquisition stands out as a cornerstone of this expansion, significantly strengthening DAE’s portfolio and enhancing its scale in a highly competitive global market.
As a result of the transaction, DAE’s fleet growth reached 35 per cent over the year, reflecting both organic expansion and disciplined acquisition strategy. The enlarged fleet positions the company to better serve airline customers across multiple regions at a time when global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft remains strong amid capacity constraints and supply chain challenges.
Financing activity also played a critical role in DAE’s 2025 performance. The group raised $3.9 billion through a diversified mix of funding sources, reinforcing its balance sheet and providing the financial flexibility needed to support continued growth. This strong access to capital highlights investor confidence in DAE’s long-term strategy, asset quality, and risk management approach.
Beyond leasing, DAE continued to build momentum in its engineering and technical services businesses, further diversifying revenue streams and strengthening its integrated aviation platform. These capabilities allow the company to offer value-added solutions to airline partners while enhancing asset lifecycle management across its fleet.
Industry observers note that DAE’s ascent into the top tier of global lessors reflects a combination of scale, strategic timing, and disciplined execution. With airlines worldwide rebuilding networks and modernizing fleets, lessors with strong capital positions and broad portfolios are increasingly central to the aviation ecosystem.
By closing a transformative acquisition, delivering substantial fleet growth, and securing nearly $4 billion in financing, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has firmly positioned itself as a global aviation heavyweight. As the industry looks ahead, DAE’s 2025 performance sets a strong foundation for continued expansion and long-term leadership in aircraft leasing and aviation services.
