Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has teamed up with Blackstone Credit & Insurance to introduce a substantial global aviation leasing initiative known as “Equator.”

This long-term effort is set to channel around $1.6 billion each year into aircraft leasing, representing a notable advancement in the global aviation finance landscape.

The Equator platform will prioritize purchasing commercial aircraft that are leased to top-tier airlines worldwide. DAE will take charge of sourcing these aircraft from external parties, while its Aircraft Investor Services (AIS) division will manage the portfolio's operations.

DAE’s CEO, Firoz Tarapore, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, noting that Blackstone’s robust capital resources will enhance DAE’s fleet management for third parties. He stressed that DAE's global footprint and extensive customer connections position it for sustained success with the Equator program.

Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director at BXCI, remarked that the partnership bolsters Blackstone's aviation investment profile. He pointed out that this project aligns with BXCI’s strategy of pursuing high-quality, asset-backed investments.

BXCI is set to provide diverse financing solutions for the initiative, ensuring resilience throughout various market fluctuations. The investment will also draw upon capital from funds managed by ITE Management, L.P., a strategic ally of BXCI.

As of December 2025, DAE manages a fleet of around 700 aircraft, including over 100 valued at upwards of $4 billion within its asset management portfolio. The company also serves as a servicing partner in various agreements, offering valuable insights to institutional investors.

BXCI's Infrastructure and Asset-Based Credit Group oversees assets surpassing $100 billion, spanning numerous sectors such as infrastructure, commercial financing, consumer finance, and real estate lending.

The launch of the Equator initiative reflects an encouraging trend in the aviation leasing sector and underscores institutional investment's increasing role in bolstering global airline operations.

#world news #Global News #Dubai News #UAE News #World Update