COMESA Watchdog Probes Dubai Aerospace Enterprise’s Planned Takeover of Nordic Aviation

The COMESA Competition Commission has launched an inquiry into Dubai Aerospace Enterprise’s (DAE) proposed acquisition of Ireland-based aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) to assess potential competition concerns in the regional market.

The regulator said the probe, initiated under Article 26 of the COMESA Competition Regulations, will examine whether the deal could substantially lessen competition or harm public interest across the Common Market.

DAE, owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, leases civil aviation and freighter aircraft to more than 170 airline customers in over 65 countries.

It operates through two divisions: DAE Capital, which handles aircraft leasing, trading, and investor services, and DAE Engineering, which provides maintenance and repair services across multiple regions, including Africa.

NAC, headquartered in Ireland, specialises in dry leasing regional and narrow-body aircraft to over 60 airline customers in 40 countries.

Its fleet relevant to the transaction includes about 209 aircraft, with operations in Egypt, Kenya, and Mauritius within COMESA.

The commission has invited submissions from industry stakeholders, including competitors, suppliers, and customers, to provide input on the impact of the proposed takeover.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org