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DAE Signs Deal to Acquire and Lease Four Boeing 777F Freighters to Saudia
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise will buy and lease four Boeing 777F freighters to Saudia under long-term contracts, supporting the airline's cargo network expansion.
The gist
DAE's purchase-leaseback deal supplies Saudia with four Boeing 777F freighters to boost its cargo capacity and global reach.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has finalized an agreement to acquire four new Boeing 777F freighter aircraft and lease them to Saudia for long-term operation. The deal was publicly announced on 10 August 2026 and sets a delivery window from October 2026 through May 2027. This transaction represents a strategic move to strengthen Saudia's dedicated cargo fleet and enhance its ability to serve expanding markets worldwide.
Under the terms of the purchase-and-leaseback agreement, DAE will first purchase the four Boeing 777F freighters, then lease them back to Saudia under long-duration contracts. This approach allows Saudia to access new aircraft and spread capital expenditures over time while benefiting from DAE's expertise and financial backing as one of the world's leading aircraft leasing firms.
The Boeing 777F is recognized as a highly capable long-range freighter, offering a maximum payload capacity of approximately 102 tonnes. It is a widebody aircraft known for operational efficiency and reliability, factors critical to cargo operators worldwide. Saudia's acquisition of these aircraft points to its intention to increase cargo capacity on long haul routes and to maintain competitive service levels against global freight carriers.
Firoz Tarapore, CEO of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, emphasized the transaction's importance during the announcement. He noted that the deal reinforces DAE's commitment to supporting their airline customers with widely demanded aircraft types. Tarapore highlighted that the influx of Boeing 777 freighters will back Saudia's expanding cargo operations, facilitating the carrier's objective to connect key global markets more effectively.
This expansion aligns with Saudia's strategic goal to become an influential player in global air logistics. Saudi Arabia continues to develop as a major regional logistics hub, and adding four modern Boeing 777Fs will significantly boost the airline’s freighter capacity. This increased cargo capability is expected to support a broader network and meet rising demand in international freight markets.
Earlier in 2026, Saudia Group placed an order for four Boeing 777Fs directly from Boeing. The leaseback deal with DAE complements that commitment, ensuring a reliable delivery schedule of these aircraft between late 2026 and mid-2027. The new freighters will integrate seamlessly into Saudia’s existing cargo fleet, which currently includes Boeing 777Fs as well as 747-400 freighters and Airbus aircraft converted for cargo use.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, headquartered in Dubai, manages a diverse fleet exceeding 1,000 aircraft, including over 250 Boeing planes. With a global footprint serving more than 200 airline customers in over 85 countries, DAE maintains a fleet valued near $35 billion. The company’s focus on acquiring and leasing high-demand freighters underscores the sustained strength of cargo traffic worldwide and the importance of these assets in airline growth strategies.
The first Boeing 777F under this agreement is scheduled for delivery in October 2026, with the remaining three arriving by May 2027. This addition will expand Saudia's dedicated freighter capabilities just as global air cargo demand continues its recovery and growth. While financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the strategic value lies in DAE expanding its portfolio with premium freighter aircraft and Saudia increasing its long-range cargo footprint.
This deal also exemplifies ongoing collaboration between the aviation sectors of Dubai and Saudi Arabia. As both regions invest heavily in their air transport and logistics infrastructures, such partnerships enable carriers to rapidly scale fleets and improve service offerings. The incoming Boeing 777Fs are set to play a significant role in Saudia's cargo expansion efforts in the years ahead.
Frequently asked questions
- What aircraft type did DAE agree to acquire and lease to Saudia?
- DAE agreed to acquire and lease four Boeing 777F freighter aircraft to Saudia under long-term contracts.
- When will the Boeing 777Fs be delivered to Saudia?
- Deliveries of the four Boeing 777Fs will occur between October 2026 and May 2027.
- How will this deal impact Saudia's cargo capabilities?
- The leased Boeing 777Fs will expand Saudia's dedicated freighter fleet, increasing capacity and enabling the carrier to serve more global cargo markets.
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For decades, the Boeing 767 has been one of the defining aircraft of the global air cargo industry. It has become the backbone of fleets operated by dedicated cargo carriers, freight specialists, and airlines that found new life for aging passenger aircraft through passenger-to-freighter conversions. Its combination of payload, range, operating economics, and widespread availability made it the obvious solution for operators seeking a medium-capacity widebody freighter.
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