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Dubai Aerospace Enterprises
Corporate Profile: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Dubai, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) is a global aviation services giant wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). DAE does not operate an airline; instead, it is a leading global aircraft lessor and maintenance provider. By January 2026, DAE has cemented its position as one of the top five aircraft lessors in the world following a year of record-breaking expansion and strategic acquisitions.
2026 Status: The Top-Five Global Powerhouse
- The Nordic Acquisition: In 2025, DAE completed the $2 billion acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). This transformative deal significantly boosted DAE’s presence in the regional aircraft market and was the primary driver behind the company’s 35% fleet growth reported in early 2026.
- Financial Dominance: On January 5, 2026, DAE reported its full-year 2025 highlights, revealing a year of massive capital activity, including raising $3.9 billion in debt financing and a highly successful $650 million Sukuk issuance.
- Profitability: For the nine months ending September 2025, DAE reported a staggering 100% jump in profit before tax, reaching $653 million, supported by high lease revenues and insurance recoveries.
Core Business Divisions
DAE operates through two market-leading pillars that cover the entire aircraft lifecycle:
1. DAE Capital (Aircraft Leasing)
DAE Capital is the group’s investment arm, managing a vast portfolio of high-demand aircraft.
- The Fleet (2026): As of January 2026, the company owns, manages, or is committed to approximately 750 aircraft with a total value of $23 billion. The fleet includes a mix of Airbus (A320neo, A350), Boeing (737 MAX, 787), and ATR regional jets.
- Global Footprint: DAE serves over 200 airline customers in more than 80 countries.
- Active Management: In 2025 alone, DAE acquired 280 aircraft and sold 111, maintaining a young and fuel-efficient portfolio with an average passenger aircraft age of approximately 6.8 years.
2. DAE Engineering (MRO Services)
Operating primarily through its subsidiary Joramco in Amman, Jordan, this division is the leading independent airframe MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provider in the region.
- Capacity Expansion: In early 2026, DAE Engineering reported a 30% increase in capacity following the inauguration of a new five-bay hangar in Amman.
- High Output: The division booked over 1.8 million man-hours and performed more than 320 aircraft checks in 2025 for 60 global airline customers.
Leadership and Ownership
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chairman | HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum |
| CEO | Firoz Tarapore |
| Headquarters | Dubai, UAE |
| Global Offices | Dubai, Dublin, Amman, Singapore, Miami, and Seattle |
| Ownership | Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) |
Key Performance Indicators (January 2026 Update)
| Metric | 2025/2026 Value |
|---|---|
| Total Assets | ~$16.4 Billion |
| Available Liquidity | ~$3.4 Billion |
| Owned/Managed Fleet | ~750 Aircraft |
| Lease Agreements Signed | 273 (in 2025) |