DAE Acquires 10 New Boeing Aircraft from United Airlines

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a global aviation services company headquartered in Dubai, on Monday announced that it has signed a purchase agreement with United Airlines for 10 new Boeing 737-9 aircraft and entered into long-term leases for these aircraft delivering between August 2025 and February 2026.

SAE CEO Firoz Tarapore said that the announcement of the purchase-lease back agreement of 10 Boeing 737-9 aircraft follows their recent acquisition of an Airbus A321neo on lease to United, and reflects DAE’s continued commitment to the North American market.

“We congratulate United on their continued success and look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years ahead,” he said.

The 737‑9 is a member of the Boeing 737 MAX family, designed to deliver enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance, and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market. The airplane family reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared with jets it replaces.

DAE, one of the largest aircraft leasing firms in the world, currently owns, manages, and is committed to own or manage a total of 750 aircraft, including 225 from Boeing, with plans to further expand its fleet to meet growing market demand.

DAE’s Earlier Acquisitions

It may be recalled that DAE has signed agreements to acquire 17 aircraft for approximately $1 billion in March this year. The acquisition consists primarily of next-generation aircraft and is part of DAE’s ongoing efforts to expand its leasing portfolio and update its fleet.

These 17 newly acquired aircraft are predominantly narrow-body models, with 80% manufactured by Airbus and 20% by Boeing. A total of 89% of these aircraft are classified as next-generation, incorporating fuel-efficient technology. These aircraft are currently leased to 11 airlines across 10 countries, contributing to DAE’s global leasing operations.

The company has been actively expanding its portfolio through purchases and leasing agreements, adapting to shifts in airline demand for fuel-efficient and modern aircraft. The ongoing investments in next-generation aircraft reflect broader industry trends, where lessors and airlines focus on sustainability and operational efficiency.

DAE continues to evaluate opportunities in aircraft leasing and fleet acquisition. The company remains engaged with airline customers across multiple regions, adapting to changing market conditions and aircraft demand.