Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has scrapped plans to buy an existing leasing firm, and instead has hired its own leasing team and is looking to purchase the first of up to 100 aircraft, it was revealed at the show yesterday.
The initial aim is to purchase single aisle aircraft, although eventually the fleet will comprise several types, says Bob Johnson, DAE chief executive.
“Everything depends on finding the right aircraft at the right price,” he said.
“We will eventually have a fleet of 100 aircraft and our aim is to be the best leasing company in the world. Not the biggest – at least not immediately!”
Johnson says his leasing team was talking to manufacturers here at Paris, although he did not rule out buying used aircraft.
right price
“The issue is finding the right aircraft at the right price.” He adds the team hopes to secure their first leasing deal very soon. “It will be weeks or months,” he says.
“I would certainly hope that it will be before the Dubai air show. We want to have a wonderful air show.”
Turning to DAE as a whole, Johnson says the six-division company is “well ahead” of schedule in its plan to develop “an innovative global aerospace, manufacturing and services corporation.”
He says: “In a little over ten months we have laid down the foundation for what is fast becoming a unique and innovative aerospace business.
“We have recruited a management team that would be the envy of any company, begun to invest in organic business developments and acquisitions, and driven partnerships at the highest level of our industry.”
Source: Flight Daily News
