DAE Signs Long-Term Lease Deals with Turkish Airlines and AJet for New Boeing Aircraft

Published on December 3, 2025

DAE is a leading global aerospace company that has signed long-term lease agreements with Turkish Airlines and AJet for the delivery of 10 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, due for delivery between 2026 and 2027. Such aircraft will be of pivotal importance to both airlines, who will continue their expansion with an increased fleet.

Long-Term Lease Agreements with Turkish Airlines and AJet

The newly signed agreements mark a significant step forward in DAE‘s partnership with Turkish Airlines, a long-time customer, as well as a growing relationship with AJet. The lease will enable both airlines to modernize their fleets with new, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced aircraft, boosting their operational capabilities in an increasingly competitive aviation market.

The aircraft are expected to serve a variety of routes, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, regions where both Turkish Airlines and AJet have a strong presence. This move is particularly timely, as the global airline industry continues to recover and expand following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DAE’s Growing Presence in the Global Aviation Market

Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, expressed his excitement about the new lease agreements. “We are delighted to be chosen by long-time customer Turkish Airlines to provide them a solution to AJet’s growing fleet requirements with these new technology, fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Tarapore. “Türkiye is a fast-growing market, with flight movements increasing 5.7% in the first half of 2025, according to Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport. We thank Turkish Airlines and AJet for their ongoing trust in DAE and wish them much success with their new fleet additions.”

DAE’s commitment to the future of aviation is underscored by its decision to continue expanding its fleet of Boeing aircraft. Currently, the company owns, manages, and is committed to owning a total of 236 Boeing aircraft, with 119 of those being from the 737 MAX family. This move solidifies DAE’s position as a key player in the global aircraft leasing market, supporting the growth of airlines worldwide.

Impact on Turkish Airlines and AJet’s Fleet Strategy

The lease agreement with DAE is an important development for both Turkish Airlines and AJet, two major players in the Turkish aviation market. Turkish Airlines, known for its extensive international network, will be able to enhance its operations with these new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which offer superior fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and a quieter flight experience. These features are critical as airlines continue to adapt to increasing demands for sustainability and operational efficiency.

For AJet, a fast-growing airline operating both domestically and internationally, the addition of these new aircraft will significantly boost its fleet capacity. The 737-8 models are well-suited for AJet’s expanding network of regional and international routes. This addition will not only improve operational performance but also enhance the passenger experience with modern amenities and improved fuel efficiency.

Türkiye’s Growing Aviation Market

The Turkish aviation market has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years. According to data from Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport, flight movements in the country increased by 5.7% in the first half of 2025, reflecting the ongoing recovery and expansion of the sector. This growth is largely driven by both domestic and international travel, with Turkish Airlines serving as a key catalyst for expanding the country’s connectivity.

Türkiye’s strategic location as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a vital hub for both passenger and cargo flights. The addition of new, modern aircraft to the fleets of Turkish Airlines and AJet will further strengthen the country’s position as an aviation hub, offering travelers a wider array of flight options to various international destinations.

Boost to Tourism and Economic Growth

The arrival of new, fuel-efficient aircraft is not just a win for the airlines but also for the broader Turkish economy and tourism sector. As Turkish Airlines and AJet expand their fleets, they will be able to offer more competitive flight schedules, providing easier access for international tourists to visit Türkiye. This is expected to further boost tourism, which has seen strong growth in recent years, making Türkiye an increasingly popular destination for travelers from around the world.

With the addition of these new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, Turkish Airlines will be better equipped to serve high-demand routes, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, which are important markets for both tourism and business. The enhanced efficiency of the 737-8 aircraft, which reduces carbon emissions and operating costs, will also help Turkish Airlines align with global sustainability goals while maintaining competitive ticket pricing.

DAE’s Commitment to Supporting Airline Growth

As a leading player in the global aircraft leasing industry, DAE continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of airlines around the world. With a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the 737 MAX family, DAE provides airlines with flexible and cost-effective leasing solutions, helping them expand their fleets without the financial burden of outright ownership.

DAE’s support for Turkish Airlines and AJet reflects its broader strategy of partnering with key global carriers to facilitate their growth in an increasingly competitive aviation landscape. By offering modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, DAE ensures that its clients are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s travel and tourism markets while improving operational performance.

Looking Ahead: A Strong Future for Turkish Airlines, AJet, and DAE

With Türkiye’s aviation market continuing to grow, the long-term lease agreements by DAE, Turkish Airlines, and AJet are an encouraging factor in the future of the industry. These partnerships will go on to cement Türkiye’s position as a leading global aviation hub while continuing to support the development of its tourism sector.