DAE secures major B737-8 deal to support AJet’s rapid expansion

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has finalised long-term lease agreements with AJet and Turkish Airlines for ten new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries set for 2026 and 2027. The deal reinforces DAE’s longstanding relationship with Turkish Airlines while directly supporting the rapid growth of AJet, Türkiye’s newly rebranded low-cost carrier.

Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, welcomed the agreement, noting the strength and momentum of Türkiye’s aviation sector. “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. 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.”

The lease commitment aligns with DAE’s substantial investment in the Boeing portfolio. The company currently owns, manages, or is committed to own 236 Boeing aircraft, including 119 from the 737 MAX family, underscoring its role as a major global lessor of next-generation narrow-bodies.

For AJet, the deliveries mark a key milestone in its transformation from AnadoluJet into a modern, digitally driven airline focused on accessible and affordable travel. The rebrand represents far more than a change of name: it signals a renewed ambition to elevate the passenger experience through a young, environmentally friendly fleet and minimalist, spacious cabin designs. AJet’s digital-first approach ensures seamless booking and travel management, reflecting its commitment to convenience and customer comfort.

The airline has set out an ambitious growth trajectory. Over the next decade, AJet aims to expand its fleet to 200 aircraft and operate flights to 44 countries, covering 42 domestic and 80 international routes. The addition of DAE’s Boeing 737-8 aircraft will play a central role in enabling this expansion, strengthening the carrier’s competitive position and supporting its mission to deliver affordable, reliable air travel across an increasingly broad network.