DAE Signs Deal to Acquire and Lease Four Boeing 777F Freighters to Saudia
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has signed a major agreement with Saudia. The deal, announced on 10 August 2026, covers four new Boeing 777F aircraft. It also includes long-term leases for these planes. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); Deliveries will run from October 2026 to May 2027.This purchase-and-leaseback deal strengthens Saudia’s cargo operations. It helps the Saudi flag carrier serve more markets worldwide. What the Agreement Involves DAE will purchase the four Boeing 777F freighters. Then it will lease them back to Saudia under long-term contracts. This structure is common in aviation. It gives airlines access to new aircraft while spreading costs. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); The Boeing 777F is a long-range, widebody freighter. It offers strong payload capacity of about 102 tonnes. It also delivers good operational efficiency and high reliability. Leading cargo operators around the world already use this aircraft type. Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE , commented on the deal. “We are pleased to announce a purchase-leaseback agreement for four Boeing 777F aircraft with Saudia,” he said. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); “This transaction reflects our continued commitment to supporting our airline customers with high-quality, in-demand aircraft.” He added that the planes will support Saudia’s growing cargo work. They will also help the airline reach key markets on its global network. Tarapore wished Saudia continued success. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Why This Matters for Saudia Saudia aims to expand its dedicated freighter fleet. The carrier wants to meet rising global demand for air cargo. These four new aircraft will boost capacity. They will improve connectivity between key international destinations. Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a major logistics hub. Extra freighter capacity supports that national goal. The aircraft can carry a wide range of cargo across long distances. This makes them ideal for expanding routes. Earlier in 2026, Saudia Group announced an order for four Boeing 777Fs with the manufacturer. The DAE agreement aligns with that plan. It ensures the planes arrive on a clear schedule between late 2026 and mid-2027. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); About Dubai Aerospace Enterprise DAE is a global aviation services company based in Dubai. It owns, manages, or has commitments for more than 1,000 aircraft. This fleet includes over 250 Boeing planes. The company serves more than 200 airline customers in over 85 countries. DAE plans to grow its portfolio further to meet market demand. Its fleet value stands at around $35 billion. The lessor operates through offices in several cities, including Dubai, Dublin, London, and Singapore. This latest deal shows DAE’s focus on high-demand freighter aircraft. Cargo traffic remains strong in many regions. Lessors that supply modern freighters can support airline growth effectively. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Looking Ahead The first aircraft should arrive in October 2026. The remaining three will follow by May 2027. Once in service, they will join Saudia’s existing freighter fleet. That fleet already includes other 777Fs, 747-400Fs, and converted Airbus models. No financial details of the transaction were released. Still, the strategic value is clear for both parties. Saudia gains modern capacity. DAE expands its portfolio with sought-after assets on long-term leases. The partnership highlights ongoing cooperation between Dubai’s aviation sector and Saudi carriers. Both regions continue to invest heavily in air transport and logistics. This agreement is one more step in that direction. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); As deliveries approach, industry watchers will track how quickly the new freighters enter commercial service. They are expected to play a key role in Saudia’s cargo expansion plans over the coming years.