The completed transaction, arranged with Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis, combines two financing structures into a single Sharia-compliant arrangement, with the financing value and costs remaining undisclosed.
Dubai – United Arab Emirates – Al Rehla
Emirates has completed a new 12-year aircraft financing transaction combining the French lease structure with Islamic financing principles to support the acquisition of two Airbus A350-900 aircraft in 2026, in collaboration with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) and Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking.
Announced on November 9, the transaction represents a new approach to diversifying aircraft financing solutions by integrating two structures traditionally used separately into a single arrangement that meets both legal and Sharia-compliance requirements.
Innovative Financing Structure
Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis acted as financiers and arrangers of the transaction, while DIB also played a specialised role in Sharia structuring, aligning the requirements of the French lease framework with Islamic financing principles.
The structure enables Emirates to combine international aircraft financing mechanisms with Sharia-compliant funding sources, providing an additional option for financing its fleet investments.
The parties did not disclose the total financing value, financing costs or detailed commercial terms.
Supporting Fleet Modernisation
Derek Blaney, Acting Chief Financial Officer of Emirates Group, said the airline continues to develop diversified financing solutions as part of its long-term strategy, highlighting the contribution of Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis in supporting fleet expansion and broadening funding sources.
Naveed Ali, Head of Corporate Banking at Dubai Islamic Bank, emphasised that the transaction demonstrates the ability of Islamic finance to support complex international aviation transactions.
The financing forms part of Emirates' ongoing Airbus A350 fleet expansion programme.
The A350 entered service with Emirates in November 2024 and has since been deployed across a growing network of international destinations.
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The transaction highlights the importance of diversified financing in the aviation industry, where fleet modernisation programmes require substantial long-term financial commitments.
However, Emirates has not announced any direct changes to ticket prices or flight frequencies resulting from this financing arrangement.
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