By Staff Reporter
DUBAI – Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has reported solid financial and operational performance for the first half of 2026, driven by higher revenues, strong profitability, and major strategic investments aimed at expanding its global aircraft leasing portfolio.
The Dubai-based aircraft leasing company recorded revenue of $865.9 million for the six months ending June 30, 2026, an increase from $843.6 million during the same period last year.
Profit before tax and exceptional items rose to $229.9 million, up from $217.1 million in the first half of 2025, representing a pre-tax profit margin of 26.6 percent. Operating cash flow reached $594 million, while available liquidity strengthened to $4.4 billion.
During the reporting period, DAE acquired 18 aircraft and sold 39, while completing 114 lease agreements, extensions, and amendments. Its owned, managed, and committed fleet stood at 638 aircraft. Meanwhile, the company’s engineering division logged approximately 720,000 man-hours and completed 142 aircraft maintenance checks.
The company also announced two significant investment initiatives designed to accelerate fleet growth. DAE launched Equator, a co-investment platform with Blackstone Credit & Insurance, targeting $1.6 billion in annual aircraft investments. It also introduced Mustang, a partnership with Neuberger that aims to invest $6 billion in aircraft assets over the medium term.
Chief Executive Officer Firoz Tarapore described the first half of 2026 as a transformational period for the company, highlighting the announced acquisition of Macquarie AirFinance Limited (MAF) together with the launch of the two co-investment platforms. He said these initiatives are expected to add approximately $15 billion in aircraft assets to DAE’s portfolio over the next five years.
Following the completion of the MAF acquisition, DAE now serves more than 175 airline customers across 75 countries. The company said its owned, managed, and committed fleet has expanded to nearly 1,000 aircraft, significantly strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
