Emirates Secures Innovative Shariah-compliant French Lease Financing for Two Airbus A350-900 Aircraft
Dubai, UAE, 9 November 2026: Emirates, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) and Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) today announced the successful completion of a 12-year Shariah compliant French Lease transaction supporting Emirates’ acquisition of two new Airbus A350-900 aircraft in 2026.
The innovative funding approach combines two financing frameworks that are typically structured separately, aligning the features of the French lease with Shariah principles within a single financing structure.
The financing directly supports Emirates’ ongoing fleet expansion strategy, while demonstrating the growing versatility of Shariah-compliant structures in the global aviation market.
By blending optimised aviation structures with Islamic finance, this transaction demonstrates how airlines can access alternative, diversified pools of capital. It establishes a repeatable blueprint for future international aviation financings seeking to harmonise these two distinct frameworks while meeting Islamic law requirements
DIB and Natixis CIB acted as Islamic Financiers and Arrangers.
Derek Blaney, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Emirates Group said: "Emirates continues to pursue diverse solutions and innovative funding structures as part of our long-term financing strategy. Drawing on the complementary strengths of Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis CIB, this landmark transaction combines Islamic finance with a French Lease structure, helping to diversify our funding sources while supporting the continued expansion of our fleet. Our strong financial performance and proven track record give us access to innovative solutions like this one, and we are pleased to have worked with both partners on a structure that sets a precedent for future aircraft financing."
Naveed Ali, Chief of Corporate Banking at DIB, said: “This transaction reflects the growing sophistication and international relevance of Islamic finance. By bringing together the French Lease framework and Shariah-compliant financing, we have helped structure a solution that supports Emirates’ long-term financing requirements while demonstrating how Islamic finance can be applied to complex, cross-border aviation transactions.
“Our role as Islamic Financier and Arranger and Shariah Structurer draws on the depth of DIB’s corporate banking and Shariah structuring capabilities. Our Shariah team also played an important role in aligning the relevant requirements of the French Lease structure, including the applicable French Lease considerations, with Shariah standards. This demonstrates the potential for sophisticated Islamic financing structures to support the evolving capital requirements of major international industries.”
Jean Chédeville, Head of Transportation Finance, Natixis CIB, said: “This transaction demonstrates our ability to develop tailored financing solutions and bring high added value to our clients. We are thrilled to support Emirates with another tailored aircraft delivery funding solution and very pleased to partner with Dubai Islamic Bank on such a unique and innovative project.
About DIB:
Established in 1975, DIB is the largest Islamic bank in the UAE by assets and a public joint stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market. Spearheading the evolution of the global Islamic finance industry, DIB is also the world’s first full service Islamic bank and amongst the largest Islamic banks in the world. With Group assets now exceeding US$118 billion, the Group operates with a workforce of around 12,000 employees and more than 540 branches in its vast global network across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. DIB’s ecosystem, spanning across UAE, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Kenya, Sudan and Bosnia, reaches more than 11 million customers — a reflection of its expanding scale and trusted franchise.
In addition to being the first and largest Islamic bank in the UAE, DIB has a significant international presence as a torchbearer in promoting Shariah-compliant financial services across a number of markets worldwide. The bank’s ultimate goal is to make Islamic finance the norm, rather than an alternative to conventional banking worldwide. DIB has won a range of accolades that are testament to these efforts across diversified areas, including retail, corporate and investment banking, as well as CSR and consultancy services. As a progressive Islamic financial institution, DIB embraces the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating sustainability into its business by delivering sustainable products and services and by advancing the green and social composition. 2025 marked DIB’s Golden Jubilee, with a Bold New Vision for the Future to continue building a legacy of success for the years to come.
For more information, please visit us at www.dib.ae
About Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking:
Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking is a leading global financial institution that provides advisory, investment banking, financing, corporate banking and capital markets services to corporations, financial institutions, financial sponsors and sovereign and supranational organizations worldwide. Our teams of experts in about 30 countries advise clients on their strategic development, helping them to grow and transform their businesses, and maximize their positive impact. Natixis CIB is committed to aligning its financing portfolio with a carbon neutrality path by 2050 while helping its clients reduce the environmental impact of their business. As part of Groupe BPCE, the second largest banking group in France through the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne retail networks, Natixis CIB benefits from the Group’s financial strength and solid financial ratings (Standard & Poor's: A+, Moody's: A2, Fitch: A+, R&I: A+). cib.natixis.com