Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a leading global aviation services company, has announced the successful acquisition of a $300 million unsecured term loan from the Bank of China (BOC). This three-year agreement involves BOC’s branches in Dubai, London, and Hong Kong, and is aimed at supporting DAE’s general corporate purposes and future financing needs.
Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This transaction with BOC provides us with additional liquidity to support our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our airline customers while maintaining a modern and efficient fleet.”
Deepening UAE-China Financial Ties
The collaboration between DAE and BOC signifies a strengthening of economic relations between the United Arab Emirates and China. Pan Xinyuan, General Manager of Bank of China (Dubai) Branch, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “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.”
DAE’s Strategic Growth and Fleet Optimization
DAE has been proactive in optimizing its fleet and expanding its global footprint. Recently, the company finalized agreements to sell approximately 75 aircraft to two counterparties, marking a significant step in fleet realignment. These transactions are expected to enhance the efficiency and age profile of DAE’s portfolio.
In addition to fleet optimization, DAE has been active in acquisitions. In May 2025, DAE completed the acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital, making it the third-largest aircraft lessor globally by the number of aircraft.
About Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Dubai, DAE is a globally recognized aviation services corporation with two main divisions: DAE Capital and DAE Engineering. DAE Capital is an award-winning aircraft lessor with an owned, managed, and committed fleet of approximately 750 aircraft, including Airbus, ATR, Embraer, and Boeing models, valued at around $22 billion. DAE Engineering provides Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services to customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia from its state-of-the-art facility in Amman, Jordan.
Future Outlook
The $300 million loan from BOC is expected to bolster DAE’s liquidity, enabling the company to continue its growth trajectory and meet the evolving needs of its global airline customers. With a strong financial foundation and strategic partnerships, DAE is well-positioned to navigate the dynamic aviation industry landscape.
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