Emirates NBD, the leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, has successfully signed a significant $350 million aircraft financing deal with Emirates Airline, marking another milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two entities.
The facility supports the delivery of two Boeing 777-200LRF (Long Range Freighter) aircraft, boosting Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet expansion and growth strategy. This strengthens Dubai and the UAE’s position as a key global hub for trade and logistics.
This landmark transaction marks Emirates NBD’s first dedicated freighter mortgage style financing partnership with Emirates, secured after a competitive process, and builds on the long-standing partnership between both organizations.
It also highlights the bank’s Aviation Desk sectoral expertise and capability to deliver tailored, large-scale aviation financing solutions, and its continued alignment with national strategic priorities and contribution to the UAE’s economic diversification efforts and GDP growth.
The transaction also underscores Emirates NBD’s broader strategy to back critical infrastructure development in the UAE and deepen its longstanding partnership with Emirates, further strengthening trade flows across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas through Dubai’s strategic air corridor.
For Emirates, this deal represents the first time it uses a direct, mortgage style aircraft financing structure without a traditional offshore Special Purpose Company (SPC) setup, demonstrating the airline’s strategic shift toward more streamlined financing approaches. For Emirates NBD, the transaction strengthens the bank’s position as a key financial partner in aviation, expanding its aircraft financing expertise while supporting major UAE companies.
Ahmed Al Qassim Group Head Wholesale Banking Emirates NBD
“This landmark financing for Emirates Airline demonstrates Emirates NBD’s continued commitment to supporting the core sectors that drive the UAE’s economic vision. Our long-standing partnership with Emirates Airline, a key industry leader, is the result of our specialised capabilities in delivering flexible aviation finance solutions to our clients. We are pleased to close this transaction while contributing to the UAE’s growing standing as a global trade and logistics hub.”
Michael Doersam, Chief Financial and Group Services Officer, Emirates Group pointed out that, “Emirates has a robust financing track record and proven ability to access a wide range of funding avenues, and we are committed to developing innovative approaches to our long-term financing strategy. This milestone transaction with Emirates NBD represents our first financing secured against an aircraft with the bank, building on our established relationship and demonstrating confidence in our solid financial performance and profitable business model.”
Michael Doersam explained that this streamlined, cost-efficient solution offers greater operational control throughout the financing term. He highlighted that the partnership with Emirates NBD sets a precedent for future collaborations and demonstrates how tailored financing solutions can effectively support the airline’s fleet expansion.
Additionally, it aligns with D33’s vision by enhancing and expanding the airline’s capacity and connectivity, further optimizing trade flows and reinforcing Dubai’s competitive advantage on the global stage.
