Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
DAE and United Airlines Expand Boeing 737-9 Leaseback Partnership
DAE and United Airlines sign a leaseback deal for 10 Boeing 737-9 aircraft to support fleet modernization and sustainability goals.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and United Airlines have signed a major purchase and leaseback agreement involving 10 Boeing 737-9 aircraft. The deal, announced in July 2025, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the Middle Eastern lessor and the U.S.-based airline. Deliveries are scheduled between August 2025 and February 2026, aligning with United’s broader fleet modernization strategy.
This transaction reflects DAE’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in North-America, one of the most competitive and high-demand aviation markets globally. It also reinforces industry trends toward asset-light operations, where Airlines increasingly rely on lessors to maintain fleet flexibility without the capital burden of ownership.
As the aviation industry continues to recover from pandemic-era disruptions, deals like these signal a renewed emphasis on efficiency, sustainability, and long-term partnerships between airlines and lessors. The 737-9, part of Boeing’s MAX family, offers operational improvements that are attractive to both operators and financiers.
Founded in 2006, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise is one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, managing a fleet of approximately 750 aircraft. Of these, 225 are Boeing aircraft, leased to over 200 airline customers across 85 countries. DAE operates through two key divisions: DAE Capital, which handles leasing, and DAE Engineering, which provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
United Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the United States, has been a recurring partner for DAE. Prior to this Boeing 737-9 deal, DAE had leased an Airbus A321neo to United, highlighting the trust and cooperation between the two companies. This continuity suggests a long-term alignment of strategic goals, particularly in fleet modernization and operational efficiency.
DAE’s CEO, Firoz Tarapore, has publicly emphasized the importance of the North American market. By deepening its relationship with United, DAE is not only expanding its footprint but also reinforcing its status as a key player in the global aviation leasing landscape.
The Boeing 737-9 is part of the 737 MAX family, designed for short- to medium-haul operations. It features CFM International LEAP-1B engines, which contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft. This makes the model particularly attractive to airlines aiming to cut costs and reduce their environmental impact.
In addition to fuel efficiency, the aircraft offers a 50% smaller noise footprint, enhancing its appeal for operations in noise-sensitive airports. With seating capacities ranging from 178 to 193 in a two-class configuration, and a range of 3,300 nautical miles, the 737-9 is well-suited for both domestic and transcontinental routes. DAE’s choice to invest in this aircraft aligns with its broader fleet strategy. The average age of DAE’s fleet is 6.3 years, reflecting a preference for modern, efficient aircraft that meet evolving regulatory and operational standards.
“We are delighted to continue building on our valued relationship with United. Today’s announcement reflects our continued commitment to the North American market.”, Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, purchase and leaseback arrangements typically allow airlines to unlock capital tied up in aircraft purchases. This model enables United to maintain operational control of the aircraft while avoiding the upfront costs of ownership.
For DAE, the deal provides a stable, long-term revenue stream. Leaseback agreements are generally structured over multi-year periods, offering predictable cash flows and reduced asset risk. The timing of the deliveries, spanning six months, also allows for staggered integration into United’s operations, minimizing disruption.
This transaction follows a broader trend in aviation finance, where lessors like DAE are increasingly seen as strategic partners rather than mere financiers. By aligning delivery schedules and aircraft types with airline needs, lessors can enhance their value proposition and deepen client relationships.
The global aircraft leasing market is undergoing a transformation. According to industry reports, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 8% through 2034. This growth is driven by several factors, including rising air travel demand, the need for fleet flexibility, and increasing regulatory pressure to adopt more sustainable aircraft.
DAE’s investment in the Boeing 737-9 is consistent with these trends. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency and lower emissions help airlines meet both economic and environmental targets. Moreover, the ongoing shift toward asset-light business models makes leasing an attractive option for carriers seeking to optimize their balance sheets.
North America remains a critical market in this context. With high passenger volumes and a robust regulatory framework, the region presents both challenges and opportunities for lessors. DAE’s focus on the U.S. market, underscored by its deals with United, positions it well to capitalize on future growth.
In recent years, the aircraft leasing industry has seen increased consolidation. DAE’s acquisition of AWAS in 2017 significantly expanded its portfolio and global reach. This trend is expected to continue as larger players seek to scale operations and improve bargaining power with manufacturers and airlines. Another emerging trend is the integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence in lease management. Although not directly related to this deal, such innovations are reshaping how lessors manage risk, predict maintenance needs, and optimize asset utilization.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are also becoming more prominent in leasing decisions. Lessors are under pressure to invest in aircraft that contribute to lower carbon footprints, a factor that further elevates the importance of models like the 737 MAX series.
The purchase and leaseback agreement between DAE and United Airlines for 10 Boeing 737-9 aircraft is a strategic move that benefits both parties. For United, it supports an ongoing fleet modernization initiative aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. For DAE, it reinforces its presence in the North American market and strengthens its relationship with a major global carrier.
Looking ahead, this deal could serve as a blueprint for similar transactions in the aviation industry. As airlines seek to balance operational flexibility with financial prudence, and lessors aim to deploy capital into high-demand assets, partnerships like this will likely become more common. The focus on newer, more efficient aircraft also aligns with global sustainability goals, making such deals not just commercially viable but also socially responsible.
What is a purchase and leaseback agreement? Why did DAE choose the Boeing 737-9? When will the aircraft be delivered? How does this deal benefit United Airlines? What does this mean for the aircraft leasing industry?
DAE and United Airlines Expand Partnership with 10 Boeing 737-9 Aircraft Leaseback Deal
Background: DAE and United’s Growing Partnership
Aircraft Specifications and Efficiency
Financial and Operational Implications
Industry Context and Strategic Relevance
Broader Market Trends
Conclusion
FAQ
It’s a financial arrangement where an airline sells an aircraft to a leasing company and immediately leases it back. This allows the airline to raise capital while retaining use of the aircraft.
The 737-9 is a fuel-efficient, modern aircraft with a strong track record. Its lower emissions and operational costs make it attractive for both lessors and airlines.
Deliveries are scheduled from August 2025 to February 2026, allowing for phased integration into United’s fleet.
United gains access to modern aircraft without the capital burden of ownership, supporting its fleet renewal and environmental goals.
It highlights the growing importance of lessors in fleet strategy and the shift toward asset-light models in Commercial-Aircraft aviation.
Sources
Photo Credit: DAE – Montage
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
EgyptAir Receives First Airbus A350-900 to Modernize Fleet
EgyptAir accepts its first Airbus A350-900, starting a fleet overhaul with 16 aircraft to expand long-haul routes and improve efficiency.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional fleet data.
EgyptAir has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, registered as SU-GGE, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s modernization strategy. The handover, which took place on February 9, 2026, positions the Cairo-based airline as the first operator of the A350-900 in North Africa.
According to an official press release from Airbus, this aircraft is the first of 16 A350-900s ordered by the Egyptian flag carrier. The delivery underscores EgyptAir’s commitment to phasing out older wide-body jets while expanding its long-haul network capabilities to new destinations in North America and Asia.
The arrival of the A350-900 represents a pivotal shift in EgyptAir’s long-haul operations. The airline originally signed for 10 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, later expanding the commitment with a top-up order for six additional units. These new airframes are intended to replace the carrier’s aging Boeing 777-300ER fleet, offering improved operating economics and passenger comfort.
In a statement regarding the initial order, Yehia Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding Chairman and CEO, highlighted the flagship status of the new type:
“The A350-900 will be our flagship aircraft… adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to our fleet will be instrumental in expanding our offering.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, noted the economic advantages the aircraft brings to the airline’s network:
“The A350 is the one and only aircraft enabling EgyptAir to open up its network with benchmark economic efficiency, not to mention passenger comfort.”
EgyptAir has outlined a phased entry-into-service plan for the new fleet. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on trunk routes to London and Paris to facilitate crew familiarization. Following this integration period, the airline plans to leverage the A350’s 9,700 nautical mile range to launch non-stop services to the U.S. West Coast and key Asian markets, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.
The new A350-900 features a two-class configuration designed to maximize capacity while introducing updated premium amenities. According to fleet data, the aircraft accommodates a total of 340 passengers. Technological upgrades are a focal point of the new cabin. The aircraft is equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, providing 4K OLED screens and high-fidelity audio. Additionally, passengers across all classes will have access to USB-C fast charging ports and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
The transition to the A350-900 aligns with broader industry sustainability goals. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the aircraft is reported to burn 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces. This efficiency gain corresponds to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, the A350 is recognized as the quietest aircraft in its class, possessing a noise footprint 50% smaller than older jets, a critical factor for operations at noise-sensitive airports in Europe and North America.
EgyptAir’s delivery secures its position as the sole active operator of the A350-900 in the North African region, a status solidified by the shifting strategies of its neighbors. While other carriers in the region had previously expressed interest in the type, market dynamics have led to cancellations and delays.
For instance, Air Algérie cancelled its order for A350-1000s in early 2025, opting instead for Airbus A330-900neos. Similarly, Tunisair cancelled its A350 commitments in 2013. Other regional orders, such as those from Libyan carriers Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines, remain stalled due to long-standing instability. Consequently, EgyptAir currently faces no direct regional competition operating this specific airframe, potentially offering it a product advantage on competitive routes connecting Africa to Europe and the Americas.
Sources:
EgyptAir Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-900, Initiating Major Fleet Overhaul
Fleet Modernization and Strategic Expansion
Operational Deployment
Cabin Configuration and Passenger Experience
Environmental Performance
AirPro News Analysis: Regional Market Context
Airbus Press Release
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
India to Purchase $80B Boeing Aircraft in $500B US Trade Deal
India plans to buy up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft within a $500 billion trade pact with the US, including tariff reductions and energy diversification.
This article summarizes reporting by CNBC and Priyanka Salve, alongside official government statements and AirPro News analysis.
In a landmark development for global aviation and trade, India has announced plans to purchase up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft as part of a broader strategic partnership with the United States. According to reporting by CNBC, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, confirmed that New Delhi expects to sign a formal trade deal with the U.S. in March 2026.
The aviation commitment is the centerpiece of a massive $500 billion trade pact intended to span the next five years. While the headline figure for Boeing jets stands between $70 billion and $80 billion, officials indicate that the total value of the aviation sector deal, including engines, MRO services, could exceed $100 billion.
This agreement signals a profound shift in India’s geopolitical and economic strategy, trading market access and energy realignment for relief from punitive U.S. tariffs.
The scale of the reported aircraft purchase underscores India’s position as the fastest-growing aviation market in the world. According to details shared by Minister Goyal and summarized by CNBC, the deal allocates a specific $70–$80 billion tranche for Boeing airframes.
Industry observers note that this figure likely aggregates the value of deliveries from existing record-breaking orders alongside new commitments. Air India, owned by the Tata Group, placed a historic order in 2023 for 470 aircraft (split between Boeing and Airbus) and finalized an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets in January 2026. Similarly, Akasa Air holds a substantial order book extending through 2032.
Boeing executives have previously confirmed plans to deliver approximately two aircraft per month to Indian carriers to meet surging travel demand. The inclusion of engines and aftermarket services pushes the total aviation package over the $100 billion mark, cementing the U.S. aerospace giant’s foothold in South Asia.
Contextualizing the Order Book: While the $80 billion figure is staggering, we believe it is crucial to interpret this as a “delivery value” commitment over the five-year pact rather than solely a new purchase agreement for unannounced jets. At current list prices (after standard discounts), $80 billion represents roughly 600 to 800 narrowbody jets or a significant mix of widebodies. Given Boeing’s current backlog constraints, fulfilling $80 billion in entirely new orders within five years would be logistically improbable. It is more likely that the Indian government is guaranteeing the execution and payment of the massive backlogs already held by Air India, Akasa, and potentially SpiceJet, framing these commercial milestones as diplomatic victories. Beyond aviation, the trade deal outlines a reciprocal reduction in trade barriers. The United States has agreed to slash tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 18%, a move expected to boost Indian exporters. In exchange, India has committed to purchasing $500 billion in American goods and services over five years.
A critical component of the negotiations involves India’s energy procurement. Following the invasion of Ukraine, India became a primary consumer of discounted Russian crude. However, the new trade framework reportedly includes provisions for India to shift away from Russian energy.
U.S. President Donald Trump explicitly claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has maintained a more nuanced public stance. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that energy security remains the nation’s “supreme priority,” noting that India would diversify based on commercial viability. This includes potential resumption of imports from Venezuela and increased purchases from the United States.
“Energy security is the supreme priority [for India’s 1.4 billion citizens].”
— Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson (via press briefing)
The trade deal has triggered sharp criticism within India. The opposition Congress party has characterized the agreement as a surrender of sovereignty, particularly regarding the pressure to alter energy partners and lower agricultural tariffs.
Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh have voiced concerns that the influx of U.S. agricultural products could harm local farmers, warning of potential protests similar to those seen in 2021. Minister Goyal has defended the pact, asserting that it protects sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture while securing essential technology and energy partnerships.
When will the deal be signed? Is the $80 billion for new planes only? What does the U.S. offer in return? Will India stop buying Russian oil?
Breakdown of the $100 Billion Aviation Commitment
Commercial Implications
AirPro News Analysis
The Broader Strategic Trade Pact
The “Russian Oil” Pivot
Domestic Opposition and Political Fallout
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Minister Piyush Goyal, the formal trade agreement is scheduled to be signed in March 2026, following a joint statement expected in early February.
The figure likely represents a mix of new commitments and the value of deliveries from existing massive orders (like Air India’s 2023 deal) scheduled for the next five years.
The U.S. has agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, significantly improving market access for Indian exporters.
While the U.S. President claims an agreement is in place, Indian officials state they are diversifying energy sources based on commercial viability and security, without explicitly confirming a total ban.
Sources
Photo Credit: Daily Shipping Times
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Delivers Three Boeing 737-8 Jets to WestJet in 2026
CDB Aviation delivers three Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet, increasing leased jets to 13 and supporting fleet growth for summer 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from CDB Aviation.
On February 5, 2026, CDB Aviation announced the successful delivery of three Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet. According to the official press release from the Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., these deliveries mark the completion of a lease agreement originally announced in January 2024. The addition of these aircraft brings the total number of CDB Aviation-leased jets in the WestJet fleet to 13, reinforcing a strategic partnership that began in 2020.
The newly delivered aircraft are part of WestJet’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet and expand its network capacity for the 2026 summer schedule. By securing these airframes directly from CDB Aviation’s existing order book, WestJet has bypassed some of the manufacturing delays currently affecting the global aviation supply-chain. The airline continues to hold the largest narrowbody order book of any Canadian carrier.
The three Boeing 737-8s (commonly referred to as the MAX 8) were delivered on February 5, 2026. These aircraft were leased directly from CDB Aviation’s order book with Boeing, a mechanism that allows airlines to access capacity more quickly than through direct manufacturer orders in a constrained market.
According to data associated with the delivery, WestJet’s 737-8 fleet is typically configured to seat 174 passengers, split between 12 Premium seats and 162 Economy seats. The aircraft are equipped with satellite-supported Wi-Fi and in-seat power, aligning with the carrier’s focus on passenger connectivity. The 737-8 is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, which deliver approximately 15% greater fuel efficiency and a 40% reduction in noise footprint compared to the previous generation 737-800NG.
Both companies highlighted the strength of their ongoing relationship. Luís da Silva, Head of Commercial, Americas at CDB Aviation, emphasized the history between the two entities in a statement included in the release:
“We’ve built a strong partnership with the WestJet team since the inaugural transaction between our companies in 2020. To date, we have financed and leased a total of 13 737-8 aircraft which support this strong and growing Canadian airline.”
Jennifer Bue, Senior Vice President and Treasurer at WestJet, also commented on the significance of the delivery for the airline’s growth trajectory:
“CDB Aviation is a valued partner of WestJet. The relationship enables WestJet to continue our momentum driving our growth strategy.”
This delivery comes at a critical time for WestJet as the airline approaches a total fleet size of nearly 200 aircraft, including its subsidiaries. The additional capacity is slated to support an aggressive network expansion, including new international connections such as Toronto to Medellín, Colombia, and increased frequencies to sun destinations. The Role of Lessors in a Constrained Supply Chain
The delivery of these three aircraft highlights a vital trend in the 2026 aviation market: the increasing reliance on lessors to bridge the gap caused by OEM production delays. While manufacturers work to clear backlogs, lessors like CDB Aviation, who hold significant positions in the delivery queue, are becoming essential partners for airlines needing immediate lift. For WestJet, leasing directly from CDB’s order book allows them to circumvent the long wait times associated with direct orders, ensuring they can capitalize on the projected travel demand for the summer 2026 season. This transaction underscores that in the current climate, access to delivery slots is just as valuable as capital.
How many aircraft does CDB Aviation lease to WestJet? What is the primary benefit of the Boeing 737-8 for WestJet? When was this deal originally agreed upon?
CDB Aviation Delivers Three Boeing 737-8 Aircraft to WestJet
Transaction Details and Fleet Configuration
Aircraft Specifications
Executive Commentary
Strategic Implications for 2026
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
With the delivery of these three aircraft on February 5, 2026, CDB Aviation now leases a total of 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet.
The 737-8 offers significantly improved fuel efficiency (approximately 15% better than the 737NG) and a longer range (approx. 3,550 nm), allowing WestJet to operate routes like Western Canada to Europe or Toronto to South America more economically.
The lease agreement for these specific aircraft was originally announced on January 23, 2024.
Sources
Photo Credit: CDB Aviation
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