DAE Capital nearing acquisition of Macquarie AirFinance
Competitive bidding involved AviLease and Lesha Bank
Driven by aircraft demand exceeding production capacity
Market conditions allow premium multiples for lessor assets
Continues Dubai's expansion in aerospace sector
📖 Full Retelling
Dubai-based aircraft lessor DAE Capital is closing in on a deal to acquire control of leasing platform Macquarie AirFinance, two industry sources confirmed on February 22, 2026, as demand for aircraft surges while manufacturers Boeing and Airbus struggle to meet airline needs. The potential acquisition follows a competitive bidding process where DAE emerged as one of the final contenders for Macquarie's aircraft leasing assets, alongside Saudi Arabia's AviLease and Qatar's Lesha Bank. The sources, who requested anonymity as the deal is not yet finalized, noted that the two companies had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the potential transaction. This deal comes amid a favorable market environment for aircraft lessors, as global airlines increasingly seek alternative sources of aircraft amid production constraints from major manufacturers. The imbalance between strong demand and limited supply has enabled owners of leasing platforms to command premium multiples for their assets, a trend that previously saw Dubai Aerospace Enterprise acquire Dublin-based AWAS, the world's tenth-largest aircraft lessor, in 2017.
The Boeing Company ( BO-ing) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support services. Boeing is among the largest global aerospace manufacturers; ...
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd (DAE) (Arabic: دبي لصناعات الطيران) is an aviation services corporation with two divisions: DAE Capital and DAE Engineering. Headquartered in Dubai, DAE serves over 200 airline customers in over 85 countries from its eight office locations in Dubai, Dublin, Limerick, A...
DAE Capital's potential acquisition of Macquarie AirFinance could consolidate the aircraft leasing market, increasing DAE's fleet and market share. It reflects heightened demand for aircraft amid production bottlenecks at Boeing and Airbus, driving up leasing values. This deal could influence airline financing and aircraft supply dynamics.
Context & Background
DAE Capital is a Dubai-based aircraft lessor
Macquarie AirFinance is a leasing platform with significant assets
Boeing and Airbus production delays are boosting demand for leased aircraft
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise acquired AWAS in 2017
Other bidders include Saudi Arabia’s AviLease and Qatar’s Lesha Bank
What Happens Next
The deal will likely go through regulatory approval and due diligence in the coming weeks. If completed, DAE Capital could expand its fleet and strengthen its position in the global leasing market, potentially leading to further consolidation in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the other bidders?
Saudi Arabia’s AviLease and Qatar’s Lesha Bank.
Why is demand for aircraft high?
Production bottlenecks at Boeing and Airbus have limited new jet supply.
What is Macquarie AirFinance's size?
It is a significant leasing platform with a diversified portfolio.
When might the deal close?
The parties expect to finalize the transaction within the next few months after regulatory approvals.
Original Source
try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry Bitcoin slips after earlier gains amid tariff volatility Bull vs. bear argument on Friday’s Supreme Court tariff ruling Can gold rise to new highs above $5,600 in 2026? 3 key earnings reports for this week to keep the AI trade alive (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) DAE Capital nears deal to buy aircraft leasing firm Macquarie Airfinance, sources say By Reuters Stock Markets Published 02/22/2026, 01:28 PM Updated 02/22/2026, 01:30 PM DAE Capital nears deal to buy aircraft leasing firm Macquarie Airfinance, sources say 0 MQG -1.62% QFBQ -1.12% By Allison Lampert and Tim Hepher Feb 22 - Dubai-based aircraft lessor DAE Capital is closing in on a deal to buy control of leasing platform Macquarie AirFinance, two industry sources said. The two firms did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In January, Reuters reported that DAE was among the final contenders for the Macquarie aircraft leasing assets, alongside Saudi Arabia’s AviLease and Qatar’s Lesha Bank . A sale follows a competitive round of bidding as demand for aircraft soars with commercial planesmakers Boeing and Airbus unable to produce enough jets to keep up with demand from airlines. That has created an opportunity for owners of lessors to sell at premium multiples. In 2017, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise acquired Dublin-based AWAS, the world’s tenth biggest aircraft lessor.
