Financing freighters for Dubai’s trade
Emirates NBD has signed a USD 350 million deal with Emirates Airline to finance two new Boeing B777-200LR freighters, strengthening Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet and supporting the UAE’s role as a global logistics hub.
The agreement marks the bank’s first direct mortgage-style freighter financing for Emirates, moving away from traditional offshore SPC structures. For Emirates NBD, the transaction expands its aviation finance portfolio and aligns with the UAE’s strategy to diversify its economy.
Ahmed Al Qassim (left) of Emirates NBD stressed the bank’s commitment to backing sectors driving the UAE’s economic vision, while Emirates Group CFO Michael Doersam (right) highlighted the streamlined structure as a cost-efficient tool that provides operational control and supports Dubai’s D33 strategy to boost trade flows to and from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. (ah)