DAE Capital is approaching a deal to acquire control of the Macquarie AirFinance aircraft leasing platform, two industry sources told reporters. Attempts to obtain immediate comment from the firms involved went unanswered.
The potential transaction comes after a competitive round of bids. In January, DAE was identified among the final contenders for the Macquarie aircraft leasing assets, with Saudi Arabia's AviLease and Qatar's Lesha Bank also in contention.
Market conditions have supported a sale process that attracted multiple suitors. Demand for commercial aircraft has surged while the leading manufacturers - Boeing and Airbus - have struggled to produce enough jets to satisfy airline orders. That imbalance between airline demand and factory output has created an environment in which owners of leasing platforms can command higher sale prices, according to the industry context provided by the sources.
DAE is not a stranger to consolidation in the leasing sector. In 2017, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise completed the acquisition of Dublin-based AWAS, which at the time ranked among the world's largest aircraft lessors. The earlier transaction underscores DAE's existing activity in the aircraft leasing market and its interest in expanding its asset base.
At present, the situation remains fluid. Sources say the deal is nearing completion, but no formal announcement has been made and the companies named in reports have not issued statements. The outcome of the process will depend on the closing of negotiations and any regulatory or contractual steps required to transfer control of the Macquarie AirFinance platform.
Summary of current facts:
- DAE Capital is close to buying control of Macquarie AirFinance, according to two industry sources.
- DAE was among the final bidders in January, alongside AviLease and Lesha Bank.
- Strong airline demand paired with limited production by Boeing and Airbus has made leasing assets attractive and able to fetch premium multiples.