Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has officially entered into a strategic sale-and-leaseback agreement with Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, involving four brand-new Boeing 777F freighters. Under the terms of this deal, DAE will acquire the aircraft and immediately lease them back to the carrier on a long-term basis, with the fleet handover expected to occur between October 2026 and May 2027. DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore noted that this move aligns with the company’s broader mission to provide top-tier, efficient aircraft to its global partners, effectively bolstering Saudia’s cargo capacity and its reach across international markets.

The Boeing 777F remains a staple for logistics operators due to its exceptional payload capabilities and operational reliability, making it a critical addition to DAE’s expansive portfolio. Headquartered in Dubai, DAE currently manages a massive fleet of approximately 1,000 aircraft worth $35 billion, serving over 200 airline clients globally. This recent transaction follows a period of significant growth for the lessor, which includes the acquisition of Macquarie AirFinance and the launch of new investment programs aimed at adding $15 billion in new assets to its fleet over the next five years.