Dubai-based aircraft leasing giant, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), announced on Monday that it has secured a $300 million unsecured term loan to support its corporate growth and financial stability. The three-year loan was arranged with the Bank of China’s Dubai Branch, Bank of China Limited’s London Branch, and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited.
According to DAE, the facility will be utilized for general corporate purposes, helping the company maintain strong liquidity and address future financing needs as part of its strategic expansion initiatives.
Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, said the deal enhances the company’s ability to respond to client demands while maintaining a modern and efficient fleet. “This transaction with BOC provides us with additional liquidity to support our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our airline customers,” he said. “We are pleased to deepen our relationship with Bank of China and look forward to continuing our collaboration with the entire Bank of China group in the years ahead.”
Bank of China also expressed confidence in the deal and its ongoing partnership with DAE. Pan Xinyuan, General Manager of Bank of China’s Dubai Branch, stated, “Bank of China values its growing relationship with DAE and is pleased to support this strategic financing. The successful execution of this transaction reflects the strength of our global network and our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients across the aviation sector.”
He further added that the bank remains committed to strengthening economic ties between China and the UAE and will continue to support the growth of UAE-based enterprises.
The announcement comes during a period of heightened activity for DAE. Last week, the company revealed it had signed an agreement to sell approximately 75 aircraft as part of a broader portfolio realignment strategy. Earlier this year, DAE reported strong financial performance for Q1 2025, including the acquisition of 19 aircraft (13 owned and six managed), and the sale of 15 aircraft (11 owned and four managed). The company also signed 61 lease agreements, extensions, and amendments during the quarter.
DAE reported a pre-tax profit margin of over 25 percent and a return on equity of 13 percent, reflecting a stable financial position despite ongoing global economic pressures.
Additionally, DAE announced a significant acquisition last month, entering into an agreement to acquire Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) for an enterprise value of $2 billion. Once completed, the acquisition is expected to add approximately 200 owned aircraft and 25 aircraft on order from Airbus and ATR to DAE’s portfolio. The company has also committed to acquiring 17 new fuel-efficient aircraft in a $1 billion deal, further demonstrating its intent to modernize its fleet and invest in sustainability.
The new loan underscores DAE’s ongoing efforts to maintain its market leadership and adapt to the evolving needs of the global aviation industry.
