Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has collaborated with Blackstone Credit & Insurance to introduce a significant aviation leasing program, named “Equator.”
This long-term venture aims to invest around $1.6 billion each year into aircraft leasing, representing a notable step forward within the aviation finance landscape.
The Equator platform will primarily seek to acquire commercial aircraft that are leased to top airlines around the globe. DAE is tasked with identifying these aircraft from external parties, while its Aircraft Investor Services (AIS) division will handle the portfolio's management and operational aspects.
According to DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore, this partnership is pivotal, as Blackstone’s dynamic capital structure will aid in broadening DAE’s third-party fleet management operations. He emphasized that DAE’s international footprint, robust customer network, and extensive technical know-how position the enterprise for the Equator program's long-term triumph.
Aneek Mamik, Senior Managing Director at BXCI, emphasized that this partnership enhances Blackstone’s capabilities in the aviation investment realm. He remarked that this initiative aligns with BXCI’s focus on high-quality, asset-backed investment avenues.
BXCI aims to offer a comprehensive range of financing solutions for supporting the program, thus ensuring stability amid varying market conditions. The investment strategy will also encompass capital from ITE Management, L.P., a key ally of BXCI.
As of December 2025, DAE manages a fleet that includes nearly 700 aircraft, comprising over 100 valued at around $4 billion within its asset management segment. Additionally, DAE functions as a servicing ally in multiple agreements, providing expertise for institutional investors.
Meanwhile, BXCI’s Infrastructure and Asset-Based Credit Group oversees assets surpassing $100 billion, concentrating on various sectors, including infrastructure and commercial finance.
The initiation of the Equator program indicates a burgeoning confidence in the aviation leasing sector and underscores the increasing influence of institutional investments in bolstering global airline operations.
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