Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, in collaboration with Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI), has announced the launch of the Equator programme, a long-term global aircraft investment initiative aiming at an annual investment of around US$1.6 billion.

The programme will focus on creating a varied portfolio of commercial aircraft leased to prestigious airlines worldwide. DAE will procure aircraft from external sources, while its Aircraft Investor Services (AIS) group will oversee the assets linked to Equator.

Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, expressed, “The scalable and versatile capital from Blackstone lays a solid groundwork for expanding our third-party fleet management operations. DAE’s fleet size, extensive reach, and committed client services uniquely equip us for Equator’s sustained success.”

Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director at BXCI, noted, “This programme enhances our aviation capabilities alongside DAE, a top-tier lessor recognized for its substantial technical skills. Equator reflects BXCI’s commitment to channeling flexible capital into quality, tangible asset investments.”

BXCI will deliver extensive capital solutions, ensuring flexible and reliable financing throughout market fluctuations. The investor base will feature funds managed by ITE Management, L.P., a strategic ally of BXCI.

DAE currently manages around 700 aircraft, including over 100 valued at more than US$4 billion as of December 31, 2025, establishing it as one of the leading aircraft lessors globally. The company provides management services for 17 institutional and financial investors.

BXCI’s Infrastructure and Asset-Based Credit Group oversees over US$100 billion with a team of 90+ investment professionals, concentrating on investment-grade credit, structured finance, and real-economy assets such as infrastructure, commercial, and real estate lending.

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