Turkish Airlines Secures Landmark Airbus A350 Financing Deal with Dubai Islamic Bank
Turkish Airlines has finalized a milestone financing transaction for one of its Airbus A350 aircraft, marking its first-ever Islamic finance deal and a strategic advancement in diversifying its funding portfolio. The national flag carrier completed the transaction in Swiss francs (CHF) through an Ijarah (Islamic leasing) arrangement with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)—the world’s first Islamic bank and the UAE’s largest Shariah-compliant financial institution.
The financing deal is a product of nearly a year of collaboration between Turkish Airlines and DIB. The successful agreement demonstrates the airline’s continued commitment to financial innovation and opens new avenues for cooperation with prominent institutions across the Gulf region. A signing ceremony was held at Turkish Airlines’ headquarters in Istanbul to commemorate the occasion.
Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, stated:
“This transaction demonstrates our commitment to financial innovation and strengthening our fleet while also marking a new chapter in our cooperation with leading institutions in the UAE and the broader Gulf region. We are pleased to have completed this landmark financing in collaboration with DIB and look forward to building on this partnership in the future.”
Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank, emphasized the significance of the deal:
“The strength of any meaningful alliance lies in shared ambition, and this collaboration with Turkish Airlines is a clear reflection of that. The fact that Turkish Airlines has chosen Islamic finance for the first time in its history marks a significant milestone for our industry. This transaction not only supports the airline’s continued growth but also reinforces the growing relevance of Shariah-compliant finance across global markets.”
This agreement represents a key component of Turkish Airlines’ long-term strategy to develop innovative, sustainable, and globally inclusive financing solutions. The airline is working toward the expansion of its fleet by 2033, coinciding with its 100th anniversary. It continues to be recognized for excellence in financial structuring, having received numerous international finance awards over the years.
The deal also reinforces the strengthening economic and financial ties between Türkiye and the UAE, aligning with the broader vision of fostering cooperation across industries in the region.
