27 Jun 2025
#4 June 2025: Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter
DAE to Divest 75 Aircraft Across Two Transactions
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed definitive agreements to sell approximately 75 aircraft through two separate deals. One transaction involves the sale of around 50 Embraer E-Jet aircraft to a specialist lessor, while the other comprises 25 out-of-production aircraft being transferred to a financial investor. As part of the latter deal, DAE will continue to provide lease, asset, and technical management services. These transactions, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, are expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
Upon completion, DAE’s fleet composition will shift towards a greater share of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with a revised distribution of 45% Boeing, 42% Airbus, and 13% ATR. CEO Firoz Tarapore noted the strategic importance of the move, stating that the divestments will enhance portfolio efficiency, reduce fleet age, and align with DAE’s targeted aircraft profiles.
Griffin Global Asset Management Delivers Six Boeing 737 MAX 9 Aircraft to United Airlines
Griffin Global Asset Management has completed the delivery of six Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to United Airlines under long-term lease agreements. The aircraft were delivered between April and May 2025 and form part of United’s strategic fleet renewal plan, as outlined in its Q1 2025 investor update.
This delivery marks the beginning of a new relationship between Griffin and United, with Griffin Senior VP of Marketing Eric Hild stating, “These six new-technology aircraft are integral to United’s growth strategy, and we look forward to a strong and evolving partnership in the years ahead.”
Investec Aviation Structures Senior Debt Facility for Genesis and Barings
Investec Aviation has delivered a senior debt facility to support Genesis and Barings in financing a portfolio of 12 end-of-life narrow-body aircraft. The aircraft are leased to a diverse mix of operators and the transaction represents Investec’s second collaboration with Genesis, following a prior facility in 2024.
Joseph Barnwell from Investec’s Aviation Debt Origination team highlighted the value of the partnership, saying, “This deal showcases how we combine strong structuring capabilities with deep technical expertise to provide holistic financing solutions for complex, mature aircraft portfolios.”
Acumen’s Take
On DAE’s Aircraft Divestment Strategy:
Acumen views DAE’s portfolio rebalancing as a tactical response to current market dynamics favouring younger, more fuel-efficient aircraft. These transactions improve DAE’s residual value risk exposure while positioning the company to better align with airline demand in a high-utilisation environment.
On Griffin’s Delivery to United Airlines:
Griffin’s placement of six Boeing 737 MAX 9s with United reinforces the continued momentum of new-technology narrowbodies in North America. For lessors, such strategic placements with legacy carriers offer predictable cashflows and strengthen long-term asset utility across key hubs.
On Investec’s Genesis-Barings Financing:
This transaction underscores the growing relevance of specialist financing in managing end-of-life assets. With passenger-to-freighter conversions and secondary leasing on the rise, such structured deals will remain critical to maximising asset lifecycles and yield profiles—an area where Acumen’s technical and valuation services continue to deliver insight.
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