Emirates NBD Secures USD 350 Million Aircraft Financing for Emirates Airline
Emirates NBD, one of the leading banking groups in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has signed an aircraft financing agreement worth USD 350 million with Emirates Airline. Under the agreement, two Boeing 777-200LRF long-range freighters will be delivered, supporting Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet expansion strategy and Dubai’s role as a global trade and logistics hub.
A Landmark Aviation Deal
This agreement marks Emirates NBD’s first dedicated freighter mortgage financing partnership with Emirates. Concluded following a competitive process, the transaction highlights the bank’s expertise in aviation finance and its contribution to the UAE’s economic diversification goals.
Innovative Financing Move by Emirates
For Emirates, this agreement represents a strategic milestone as it is the first time a direct mortgage-based aircraft financing structure has been used without the traditional offshore Special Purpose Company (SPC) setup. This allows the airline to adopt more streamlined and cost-efficient financing solutions.
Statements from Leaders
Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said:
“This transaction underlines Emirates NBD’s support for the key sectors driving the UAE’s economic vision. Our longstanding partnership with Emirates is the clearest demonstration of our ability to deliver flexible aviation financing solutions.”
Michael Doersam, Emirates Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Services Director, added:
“This agreement represents our first aircraft-backed financing with Emirates NBD. The solution provides greater operational control while enhancing Emirates’ capacity and further strengthening Dubai’s competitive edge in global trade.”
