DAE Secures Ten Boeing 737-8 Lease Deals With AJet And Turkish Airlines, Driving Modernization To Fuel Aviation Growth Of Türkiye

Published on December 3, 2025

The global aviation landscape has witnessed a significant transaction, reinforcing the strategic importance of fleet modernization and expansion across rapidly developing markets. Long-term lease agreements for ten brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft have been formally finalized between Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), one of the world’s foremost aircraft leasing firms, and the combined operational strength of AJet and Turkish Airlines. This crucial arrangement is being viewed as a cornerstone in facilitating the robust growth trajectory that has been carefully established for the carrier AJet, ensuring its capacity requirements can be met in the coming years.

The stipulated delivery timeline dictates that the aircraft are scheduled to be introduced into the fleet across a two-year period, with units expected to commence delivery in 2026 and the remainder being integrated in 2027. The selection of these specific new technology, fuel-efficient aircraft underscores a commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship within the carrier’s broader strategy. Attention has been drawn to the established, enduring partnership between the lessor and the flag carrier, with Turkish Airlines having been designated a long-time customer of DAE. This mutual trust and repeated collaboration were highlighted as central elements that underpinned the successful negotiation and execution of the current leasing contract. The provision of a tailored solution to satisfy the demanding growth requirements of AJet through these highly capable aircraft has been affirmed as a source of considerable satisfaction by the leasing entity.

The Context of Collaboration and Confidence

The decision to choose DAE for the provision of this substantial number of next-generation aircraft speaks volumes about the lessor’s reputation for reliability, financial stability, and operational capabilities within the intensely competitive global aviation finance sector. Being selected by a carrier of the stature of Turkish Airlines is regarded as a significant endorsement of the lessor’s ability to structure complex, long-term deals that align precisely with ambitious corporate expansion plans. The partnership history between the two entities has been meticulously maintained, having previously facilitated the successful deployment of numerous aircraft into the carrier’s fleet over time.

A statement addressing the transaction was made by Firoz Tarapore, the Chief Executive Officer of DAE. Great delight was expressed regarding the selection by the long-time customer Turkish Airlines to secure a solution that addresses AJet‘s expanding fleet requirements utilizing these sophisticated and economically advantageous aircraft. Furthermore, sincere gratitude was extended to both Turkish Airlines and AJet for the confidence and ongoing trust consistently placed in DAE’s services.

Fueling the Turkish Aviation Renaissance

The context surrounding this significant fleet investment is deeply rooted in the dynamic performance of the Türkiye market, which has been formally recognized as a region experiencing exceptionally rapid growth. The strategic importance of the country as a burgeoning global aviation hub is clearly demonstrated by quantifiable data. The dynamism of the market was emphasized by referencing official figures provided by Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport. It was authoritatively reported that flight movements within the nation had experienced a substantial increase, specifically quantified as a 5.7% growth rate, during the first half of 2025.

Such robust expansion necessitates forward-looking and assertive fleet strategies to effectively accommodate the rising demand for both domestic and international air travel capacity. The commitment demonstrated by AJet, operating under the umbrella of Turkish Airlines, to procure ten Boeing 737-8 aircraft through this long-term arrangement with DAE is a direct and measured response to this accelerated market performance.

The Technical Edge: Why the Boeing 737-8

The choice of the Boeing 737-8 aircraft is an engineering and commercial decision of significant strategic weight. This particular model, belonging to the latest generation of narrow-body airliners, is distinguished by its incorporation of new technology features which translate directly into superior operational metrics. The aircraft is widely celebrated for being notably fuel efficient, an attribute that delivers considerable commercial advantage through reduced operating costs over the life of the lease. In an era where the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to mitigate its environmental impact, the improved fuel burn efficiency of the Boeing 737-8 is a critical factor, helping to lower carbon emissions per seat kilometer.

DAE’s Enduring Role in Global Aviation Finance

The finalized lease agreements further solidify the standing of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise as a dominant force within the international aircraft leasing sector. The scale of the lessor’s operation is highly indicative of its global reach and financial power. It is officially recorded that DAE’s portfolio and commitments, specifically related to Boeing aircraft, encompass a staggering total of 236 Boeing aircraft. This figure includes a substantial dedication to the narrow-body family, represented by the ownership, management, and committed acquisition of 119 737 MAX family aircraft.

The depth of this inventory confirms DAE’s strategic focus on the most technologically advanced and in-demand commercial airliners currently available on the market. Such a significant portfolio provides the necessary scale to support major global airlines, such as Turkish Airlines and its subsidiary AJet, with their large-scale fleet restructuring and growth projects. The ability to supply ten new Boeing 737-8 aircraft simultaneously demonstrates a sophisticated level of asset management and robust financial structuring capability.