Dubai, UAE – Nov. 2026 – Emirates airline, Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking announced the completion of a 12-year financing deal that, for the first time, combines a French leasing structure with Sharia-compliant financing principles.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the transaction will support Emirates’ acquisition of two new Airbus A350-900 aircraft during 2026.
The deal merges two financing frameworks that are typically used separately, aligning the features of French leasing with the requirements of Islamic finance in a single structure.
Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis acted as both the Islamic financier and arranger of the deal.
The agreement supports Emirates’ continued fleet expansion strategy and reflects the growing flexibility of Sharia-compliant financing structures and their ability to meet the complex needs of the global aviation sector, according to the announcement.
By blending specialized aircraft financing with Islamic finance instruments, the deal gives airlines access to more diversified funding sources, and offers a model that could be applied to future international aircraft financing transactions seeking to combine the two frameworks while adhering to Islamic law.
Derek Plaisted, acting group chief financial officer at Emirates Group, said the airline was continuing to diversify its financing solutions and develop innovative structures that support its long-term financial strategy.
“This transaction brings together the complementary expertise of Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis to unify Islamic finance and the French leasing structure in one format, helping diversify our funding sources and support the continued expansion of our fleet,” he said.
He added that the company’s strong financial performance and established track record allow it to take advantage of innovative financing solutions of this kind, and that Emirates was pleased to work with its two partners on a structure that sets a template for future aircraft financing.
Naveed Ali, head of corporate banking at Dubai Islamic Bank, said the deal reflected the continued evolution of Islamic finance and its widening international use.
By combining the French leasing structure with Sharia-compliant financing, the banks developed a solution that meets Emirates’ long-term funding needs while highlighting Islamic finance’s ability to keep pace with complex, cross-border transactions in aviation, he said.
He added that the bank’s role as Islamic financier, arranger and lead on the Sharia structuring draws on its extensive experience in corporate banking and in designing Sharia-compliant financing structures. Its Sharia team played a key role in aligning the requirements of the French leasing structure, including considerations applicable in France, with Sharia standards, he said.
Jean Chedeville, head of transport finance at Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, said the deal confirmed the bank’s ability to develop tailored financing solutions for clients and deliver real value.
“We are pleased to continue supporting Emirates with a new, customized financing solution for the delivery of the aircraft, and we are proud to have worked with Dubai Islamic Bank on this distinctive and innovative project,” he said.
