Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Secures US2.8 Billion Credit Facilities
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise signs US$2.8 billion unsecured revolving credit facilities, increasing total capacity to US$4 billion with maturity in 2031.
This article is based on an official press release from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd has officially announced the signing of agreements for new long-term, unsecured revolving credit facilities totaling US$2.8 billion. The strategic financial move, announced on March 24, 2026, significantly bolsters the global aviation services company’s liquidity and financial flexibility.
According to the company’s press release, these new agreements will replace an existing US$1.4 billion facility. The newly secured credit lines carry a maturity date of March 2031.
With the addition of these new facilities, DAE’s total revolving credit facility capacity has increased to approximately US$4 billion. This expanded capacity positions the Dubai-headquartered lessor to better navigate market dynamics and support its extensive global operations.
Funding Structure and Banking Partners
The newly established revolving credit facilities feature a dual-tranche structure, incorporating commitments in both United States Dollars and United Arab Emirates Dirhams. The total US$2.8 billion is divided into US$2.3 billion in conventional funding and US$0.5 billion in Shari’a-compliant liquidity.
A syndicate of 15 global financial institutions participated in providing the funds. For the conventional facility, Emirates NBD and First Abu Dhabi Bank served as the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank took on the role of Mandated Lead Arranger for the Shari’a-compliant portion of the facility.
In a company statement, DAE Chief Executive Officer Firoz Tarapore emphasized the significance of the diverse funding sources.
“We are delighted to announce these new facilities, which further bolster DAE’s liquidity strength. By tapping both conventional and Shari’a-compliant sources of funding, this transaction underscores DAE’s exceptional access to liquidity from both our local banking partners and a globally diversified group of leading financial institutions,” Tarapore said.
DAE’s Market Position and Fleet Operations
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise operates through two primary divisions: DAE Capital and DAE Engineering. The company serves over 200 airline customers across more than 80 countries from its offices in Dubai, Dublin, Amman, Singapore, Miami, and Seattle.
DAE Capital, the company’s aircraft leasing arm, manages an owned, managed, and committed fleet of approximately 700 aircraft, including Airbus, ATR, and Boeing models. The total value of this fleet is estimated at US$25 billion, according to the official release.
Additionally, DAE Engineering provides regional MRO services from its facility in Amman, Jordan. The state-of-the-art facility can accommodate up to 24 wide and narrow-body aircraft and holds regulatory approvals from over 30 global regulators to work on 16 different aircraft types.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the expansion of DAE’s revolving credit capacity to US$4 billion aligns with a broader strategy of aggressive capital raising and fleet expansion. Industry data from CAPA, Centre for Aviation indicates that in 2025, DAE raised US$3.9 billion in debt financing and completed the US$2 billion acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital, which drove a 35% growth in its fleet.
Securing long-term liquidity is particularly critical given the current geopolitical climate in the Middle East. Recent reporting by Zawya highlights that intermittent airspace and airport closures linked to regional conflicts have forced Gulf carriers to adjust schedules. A recent CreditSights report noted that 12% of DAE Capital’s fleet is placed with airlines in the Middle-East, with clients including Emirates, Oman Air, and Jazeera Airways. By locking in US$2.8 billion in unsecured credit through 2031, DAE ensures it has the financial resilience to support its airline partners and pursue further inorganic growth despite regional volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of DAE’s new credit facilities?
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise signed agreements for US$2.8 billion in new unsecured revolving credit facilities, increasing its total capacity to approximately US$4 billion.
When do the new credit facilities mature?
The new credit facilities have a maturity date of March 2031.
How is the funding structured?
The US$2.8 billion is split between US$2.3 billion in conventional funding and US$0.5 billion in Shari’a-compliant liquidity, supported by 15 global financial institutions.
Sources
Photo Credit: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise