19 Mar 2026
#3 March 2026: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
ABL Aviation Completes Boeing 737 MAX 8 Deliveries to TUI Airline
ABL Aviation completed the delivery of a second Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to TUI Airline, concluding a two-aircraft mandate between the companies. The first aircraft under the agreement was delivered in December 2025. The transaction marks the beginning of a working partnership between ABL Aviation and TUI Airline as the carrier continues to modernise its fleet with next-generation narrowbody aircraft.
ACIA Aero Leasing Delivers Third ATR72-600 to PNG Air
ACIA Aero Leasing delivered its third ATR72-600 passenger aircraft to PNG Air, Papua New Guinea’s leading domestic airline. The aircraft will support PNG Air’s expanding regional network, improving connectivity across remote communities where turboprop aircraft remain essential for reliable and efficient operations.
DAE to Acquire Macquarie AirFinance in $7 Billion Transaction
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) signed a definitive agreement to acquire Macquarie AirFinance Limited in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $7 billion. Following completion, the combined platform will have a fleet of 1,029 owned, managed and committed aircraft serving 191 airline customers across 79 countries. Narrowbody aircraft will account for around 70% of the combined fleet, while the transaction will add 37 new airline customers and expand DAE’s global market exposure.
Acumen’s Take
On ABL Aviation’s MAX Placement
Deliveries of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft continue to reflect strong airline demand for fuel-efficient narrowbody platforms. Partnerships between lessors and airline groups remain central to supporting ongoing fleet modernisation programmes.
On Regional Turboprop Demand
The continued deployment of ATR72-600 aircraft highlights the importance of turboprops in geographically challenging markets. Their operating efficiency and performance characteristics remain well suited to regional connectivity.
On DAE’s Macquarie AirFinance Acquisition
The acquisition represents one of the most significant consolidation moves in the aircraft leasing sector in recent years. Increased scale will allow DAE to strengthen its global presence, diversify its customer base and enhance portfolio resilience.
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