Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
DAE Leases 10 Boeing 737-8 Jets to AJet for Fleet Expansion
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise signs lease agreement with AJet for 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to boost fleet and route growth starting 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd. has officially announced a significant agreement to lease 10 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to AJet, the low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines. The deal, confirmed on December 3, 2025, underscores the continued expansion of the Turkish aviation sector and DAE’s role as a critical partner in fleet modernization for major carriers.
According to the announcement, the aircraft are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2027. These new placements are intended to support AJet’s aggressive growth strategy as it establishes itself as a standalone entity following its spinoff from Turkish Airlines in early 2024. The agreement highlights the strong, ongoing relationship between the Dubai-based lessor and the Turkish Airlines group.
The acquisition of these 10 Boeing 737-8 (MAX) aircraft aligns with AJet’s publicly stated ambition to significantly scale its operations. As a low-cost carrier (LCC), AJet is focused on operating fuel-efficient, high-density aircraft to maintain competitive operating costs while expanding its route network.
In a statement regarding the agreement, Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership:
“We are delighted to be chosen by long-time customer Turkish Airlines to provide them a solution to AJet’s growing fleet requirements with these new-technology, fuel-efficient aircraft. Türkiye is a fast-growing market… We thank Turkish Airlines and AJet for their ongoing trust in DAE.”
AJet has set ambitious targets for the coming decade. According to corporate strategy outlines released earlier in 2025, the airline aims to nearly double its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2033. This lease agreement provides the necessary capacity to replace older models and support new routes across Western Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
This transaction reflects the robust financial health and portfolio depth of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. As of late 2025, DAE manages a massive fleet ranging between 726 and 750 aircraft, with a total portfolio value estimated at approximately $23 billion. The lessor has maintained a strong focus on next-generation technology, with commitments to 236 Boeing aircraft, including 119 from the 737 MAX family.
DAE’s ability to execute such large-scale placements is supported by strong financial performance. In its financial-results for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, DAE reported a 100% increase in profit before tax to $653 million, alongside a 26% rise in revenue to $1.28 billion. These figures suggest that the lessor is well-capitalized to support the long-term leasing requirements of expanding carriers like AJet. The selection of the Boeing 737-8 is a calculated move for a low-cost carrier operating in the competitive European and Middle Eastern markets. The aircraft offers a 16-20% reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation 737s. For AJet, this efficiency is critical for maintaining low unit costs.
Furthermore, the range of the 737-8, approximately 3,500 nautical miles, allows AJet to reach destinations as far as Western Europe and Central Asia from its hubs in Istanbul and Ankara without refueling. This capability is essential as the airline plans to expand its network to 44 countries.
The deal arrives during a period of substantial growth for Turkey’s aviation industry. Data from the Turkish Ministry of Transport indicates that flight movements in the country increased by 5.7% in the first half of 2025. The dual-brand strategy employed by the Turkish Airlines group, using the main carrier for premium hub traffic and AJet for point-to-point leisure traffic, requires distinct fleet solutions for each entity.
By securing these 10 aircraft, AJet ensures it has the hardware necessary to capture this growing market demand while adhering to the tight delivery timelines required for its 2026–2027 operational schedule.
DAE Secures Long-Term Lease Deal with AJet for 10 Boeing 737-8 Aircraft
Strategic Fleet Expansion for AJet
DAE’s Financial Strength and Portfolio
AirPro News Analysis: The 737-8 Advantage
Market Context: The Turkish Aviation Boom
Sources
Photo Credit: DAE