Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd has joined forces with Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI) to introduce the "Equator" programme, a long-term investment initiative aimed at deploying around US$1.6 billion annually in aircraft leasing.
This Equator programme is designed to build a varied portfolio of commercial aircraft leased to prominent airlines worldwide. DAE will procure aircraft from various third-party sources, with the management of these assets overseen by its Aircraft Investor Services (AIS) team.
Firoz Tarapore, DAE’s CEO, commented, "The flexible and scaled capital from Blackstone lays a solid groundwork for enhancing our fleet management services for third parties. With our extensive fleet, global presence, and committed client service, DAE is exceptionally equipped to ensure the long-term viability of Equator."
Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director at BXCI, added, "This initiative amplifies our aviation capabilities in collaboration with DAE, an industry leader renowned for its technical skill. Equator reflects BXCI's strategy to channel flexible capital into top-notch, hard-asset opportunities."
BXCI plans to offer comprehensive capital solutions to facilitate adaptable and reliable financing through business cycles. Their investor network will incorporate funds managed by ITE Management, L.P., a strategic partner of BXCI.
Managing around 700 aircraft, including over 100 valued at more than US$4 billion as of December 31, 2025, DAE stands as one of the premier aircraft lessors globally, providing management services to 17 institutional and financial investors.
BXCI's Infrastructure and Asset-Based Credit Group oversees over US$100 billion, staffed by over 90 investment professionals, focusing on investment-grade credit, structured finance, and tangible assets such as infrastructure, commercial, and real estate lending.
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