Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) on Monday announced that it has completed the purchase of a portfolio of ATR 72-600 aircraft from GE Capital Aviation Services (Gecas).

This purchase brings the total number of owned and committed ATR 72-600 aircraft in DAE’s fleet to 57, making it one of the largest lessors of the ATR 72-600 worldwide. In addition, DAE has options with ATR for a further 20 aircraft of the same type.

The acquisition falls in line with DAE’s long term strategic interest in ATR aircraft, of which DAE ultimately expects to own up to 100, said a top official.

"DAE firmly believes in the potential of the ATR 72-600 in regional networks, both in terms of its technical capabilities as well as the superior customer experience it provides. Especially in emerging markets, the ATR 72-600 has proven to be an invaluable asset that we will continue to invest in," stated Khalifa Al Daboos, the managing director of DAE.

The acquisition brings DAE’s total fleet to 126 owned, managed and committed aircraft, with a client base of 32 airlines worldwide.-TradeArabia News Service