
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a leading global aircraft leasing company, has announced that it will buy 10 new Boeing 737-9 planes from United Airlines. These planes will then be leased back to United Airlines in a long-term agreement. The aircraft will be delivered between August 2025 and February 2026.
Strengthening Ties with United Airlines
This deal helps DAE grow its presence in the United States and builds on its strong relationship with United Airlines, one of the world’s biggest airlines. DAE’s CEO, Firoz Tarapore, said this agreement follows a recent similar deal involving an Airbus A321neo, and shows DAE’s commitment to the North American market.

“We’re happy to grow our partnership with United and support their continued success,” he said.
About the Aircraft: Boeing 737-9
The Boeing 737-9 is part of the new 737 MAX family. These planes are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions than older models. They also offer better comfort for passengers and are cheaper for airlines to operate.
This new purchase strengthens DAE’s relationship with Boeing. Out of DAE’s nearly 750 planes, 225 are Boeing aircraft.
DAE’s Growing Global Fleet
DAE owns and manages one of the youngest and most advanced aircraft fleets in the world. The average age of their aircraft is about 6.3 years. They focus on high-demand modern jets like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
DAE currently serves more than 160 airlines in over 70 countries, from budget carriers to major full-service airlines.
A Look at DAE’s Aircraft Types
Here’s a snapshot of DAE’s fleet:
- Boeing 737 (including MAX and older versions): 187 aircraft leased to airlines like Southwest, American, Ethiopian, WestJet, and more.
- Airbus A320 Family: 190 planes leased to airlines like IndiGo, Etihad, easyJet, and Delta.
- Boeing 787 Dreamliners (787-8 and 787-9): 12 planes used for long international flights.
- Airbus A350 XWB: 5 advanced long-range aircraft.
- ATR 72-600: 67 small turboprop planes for short regional routes.
- Boeing 777 Freighter: 13 cargo aircraft for long-haul goods transport.
- Boeing 777 (Passenger): 3 planes for long-distance travel.
- Airbus A330 Family: 23 widebody jets for medium- and long-haul routes.
- Boeing 747 Freighter: 3 large cargo aircraft.
About DAE
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) is a global aviation company with offices in cities like Dubai, Dublin, Singapore, and Miami. It operates through two main divisions:
- DAE Capital: Manages and leases a fleet of around 750 aircraft, worth about $22 billion.
- DAE Engineering: Offers aircraft maintenance and repair services from a major facility in Amman, Jordan. This division is certified to work on 15 different aircraft types and has approvals from more than 25 global aviation authorities.