Emirates NBD fuels UAE's global trade ambition, financing two Boeing 777 freighters for Emirates Airline

2 Min | 04 September 2025

The $350 million deal strengthens Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet and reinforces the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub

Dubai, UAE – 4 September, 2025 – Emirates NBD (“the Bank”), a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has signed a USD 350 million aircraft financing deal with Emirates Airline. The facility supports the airline in the delivery of two Boeing 777-200LRF (Long Range Freighter) aircraft, further supporting Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet expansion and growth strategy, and reinforcing Dubai and the UAE’s position as a centre for global trade and logistics.

This landmark transaction marks Emirates NBD’s first dedicated freighter mortgage style financing partnership with Emirates, secured after a competitve process, and builds on the long-standing partnership between both organisations. 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.

This milestone 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 of Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD, said: "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 & Group Services Officer, Emirates Group said: “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. This streamlined, cost-efficient solution provides greater operational control throughout the financing term, and our partnership with Emirates NBD establishes a precedent for future collaborations while demonstrating how bespoke financing solutions can effectively support our fleet expansion. It also supports D33’s vision by strengthening and scaling up the airline's capacity and connectivity to further optimise trade flows, consolidating Dubai’s competitive advantage on the world stage."

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