SLI announces Regional Headquarters in Abu Dhabi

SLI, one of the aerospace subsidiaries of Libra Group, has opened its new regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, bringing its pioneering space and advanced air mobility leasing platform to the Gulf region. The establishment was facilitated by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), which has been instrumental in supporting SLI's expansion into the emirate.

SLI (Space Leasing International) was launched in 2023 as the world’s first space leasing company and earlier this year expanded its remit to include next-generation aviation assets with an order for 25 all-electric ALIA CTOL (conventional take-off and landing) aircraft from BETA Technologies. The company's leasing model provides operators with flexible access to cutting-edge aerospace assets without the capital-intensive burden of outright ownership, a critical enabler for emerging technologies.

The expansion into Abu Dhabi builds upon Libra Group’s more than two decades of aviation leasing experience, including the creation of LCI, one of the world’s leading helicopter lessors, which has completed more than $11 billion in transactions over the past decade.

The establishment of SLI’s Abu Dhabi office reflects the emirate’s accelerating role as a global aerospace hub and the growing need for specialized leasing infrastructure. Governments across the GCC are investing heavily in advanced technologies and sustainable infrastructure to diversify their economies. In particular, the UAE has demonstrated strong leadership in space exploration, aviation innovation, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), all areas where access to leasing solutions is becoming essential for commercial deployment.

The new office will be led by SLI’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ilias Tsakalis, and will serve as SLI’s operational and commercial base for Abu Dhabi and the broader Gulf region, supporting partnerships across both space and frontier aviation technology, including zero-emission aircraft and infrastructure.

H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “Abu Dhabi is building a global hub where innovation, infrastructure, and investment converge to shape the future of mobility and aerospace technology. We are attracting not only technology companies, but we are also bringing the full ecosystem of specialized services to enable those technologies to scale. Leasing infrastructure is as critical as physical infrastructure; it's what transforms ambitious aerospace projects into operational realities across the region and beyond."

Praveen Vetrivel, CEO of SLI, said: “The Gulf, and Abu Dhabi in particular, has shown extraordinary foresight in establishing itself as a hub for innovation in aerospace. The UAE’s commitment to space exploration, investment in Advanced Air Mobility, and its clear industrial strategy for sustainable aviation make it a natural home for our regional operations.

“We see strong alignment between SLI’s global mission to finance and enable next-generation aerospace technologies and Abu Dhabi’s progressive, long-term vision for the sector. The city is not only embracing innovation but also building the infrastructure, partnerships, and policy environment that will define the future of aerospace. We are proud to be part of that journey.”