12 Nov 2026
#2 November 2026: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
Aircraft Leasing Ireland Calls For Stronger Competitive Focus
Aircraft Leasing Ireland has called for continued policy action to protect Ireland’s position as the world’s leading aircraft leasing and finance centre. The organisation said Irish-based firms manage aircraft worth more than 315 billion US dollars, representing approximately 69 per cent of the value of leased aircraft worldwide. The sector also supports more than 3,000 high-value jobs and contributes approximately 1.11 billion US dollars annually to the Irish economy.
CDB Aviation Leases Two A321ceos To Freebird Airlines
Dublin-based CDB Aviation has entered into lease agreements for two Airbus A321ceo aircraft with Turkish leisure and charter operator Freebird Airlines. The transaction is the first between the two companies and will support Freebird’s all-Airbus fleet. Both aircraft will carry a special livery marking the airline’s 25th anniversary and will be deployed across its leisure and charter network.
DAE Revenue Rises Following Macquarie AirFinance Acquisition
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise reported revenue of 1.45 billion US dollars for the nine months ended 30 September 2026, compared with 1.28 billion US dollars in the previous year. The company completed its 9 billion US dollar acquisition of Dublin-based Macquarie AirFinance during the period, adding 290 aircraft. DAE’s owned, managed and committed fleet reached 983 aircraft, with integration of the acquired business expected to be completed by the end of November.
VietJet Plans 250 Million US Dollars Payment In Leasing Dispute
VietJet reportedly planned to pay approximately 250 million US dollars to FW Aviation by 13 November in an effort to resolve a long-running dispute relating to four Airbus A321 aircraft. The proposed payment follows English court orders freezing certain overseas assets and appointing receivers to assist with enforcement. A settlement could remove uncertainty surrounding VietJet’s planned future aircraft deliveries.
Acumen’s Take
On Ireland’s Competitive Position
Ireland’s scale, expertise and political stability remain significant advantages, but global leadership cannot be treated as permanent. Maintaining the country’s position will require stable tax policy, an extensive treaty network, regulatory efficiency, specialist talent and continued recognition of aircraft leasing within wider European aviation policy.
On CDB Aviation And Freebird Airlines
The Freebird transaction demonstrates the continuing placement potential of mid-life A321ceo aircraft. For leisure and charter operators, the type can provide useful capacity and established operational capability without the acquisition cost associated with a new-generation aircraft.
On DAE And Macquarie AirFinance
The acquisition has materially increased DAE’s scale and portfolio reach. Realising its full value will depend on successful integration, disciplined capital management, portfolio optimisation and the ability to use the combined platform to improve financing, trading and customer-placement opportunities.
On The VietJet Dispute
The case highlights the importance of enforceable lease documentation, appropriate jurisdictional protections and early management of payment and redelivery disputes. For lessors and investors, legal rights must be supported by effective cross-border enforcement strategies and detailed control over asset and maintenance-reserve exposure.
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