DAE and Blackstone Unveil $1.6B Global Aviation Leasing Initiative

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has aligned with Blackstone Credit & Insurance to roll out a significant global aviation leasing program known as “Equator.”

This long-term initiative is set to allocate around $1.6 billion each year to aircraft leasing, marking a pivotal development in the aviation finance landscape.

The Equator platform will specifically aim to acquire commercial aircraft currently leased to prominent airlines around the globe. DAE is tasked with sourcing these aircraft from various third parties, while its Aircraft Investor Services (AIS) division will handle the management and operations of the fleet.

Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, mentioned the partnership's significance, asserting that Blackstone’s robust and adaptable capital framework would bolster DAE’s third-party fleet management ventures. He added that DAE’s worldwide reach, comprehensive client network, and technical knowledge position it favorably for the long-term viability of the Equator initiative.

Conversely, Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director at BXCI, indicated that this collaboration enhances Blackstone’s aviation investment capabilities. He pointed out that the initiative embodies BXCI’s strategic focus on high-quality, asset-backed investments.

BXCI plans to offer a variety of financing options to support this program, ensuring stability amid fluctuating market conditions. This investment will also draw upon capital from funds overseen by ITE Management, L.P., a strategic ally of BXCI.

By December 2025, DAE is anticipated to manage a fleet of around 700 aircraft, consisting of more than 100 planes valued at over $4 billion within its asset management portfolio. Additionally, the company serves as a servicing partner in numerous agreements, granting expertise to institutional investors.

In parallel, BXCI’s Infrastructure and Asset-Based Credit Group oversees assets exceeding $100 billion, with a focus on a variety of sectors, including infrastructure, commercial finance, consumer finance, and real estate lending.

The commencement of the Equator program underscores a rising confidence in the aviation leasing sector while emphasizing the increasing presence of institutional investments supporting global airline operations.