Airline Economics 2025: Turkish Airlines Secures Triple Win in Aircraft Financing
Khadamaty-New
Turkish Airlines has been recognized with three distinguished awards at the Airline Economics Aviation 100 European & Sustainability Awards held in London, reaffirming its position as a global leader in aircraft financing and sustainable aviation initiatives.
The national flag carrier earned the “European Overall Deal of the Year” award for an innovative Islamic finance lease in Swiss francs, arranged with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), to finance an Airbus A350 aircraft.
Turkish Airlines also secured the “European Supported Finance Deal of the Year” for financing two Airbus A350s through a Balthazar-guaranteed JOLCO structure in Japanese yen, in partnership with a consortium including Natixis and ORIX. This deal reflects the airline’s deepening presence in the Japanese market since 2007.
In addition, the carrier was honored with the “Sustainability Aviation Overall Deal of the Year” for a sustainability-linked JOLCO financing of two Airbus A321neo aircraft in 2024, executed by a Société Générale-led consortium in euros and Japanese yen. This innovative deal demonstrates Turkish Airlines’ ability to align its financing strategies with its long-term sustainability vision.
Associate Prof. Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines’ CFO, Board Member, and Executive Committee member, stated:
“We are honored to be recognized once again on an international stage with three different awards this year. These achievements reflect the dedication of the Turkish Airlines family and the innovative financing structures developed by our finance team. They also affirm the financial strength and strategic vision of our brand. We will continue to pursue our sustainable growth objectives with determination.”
With one of the lowest financing costs in the global airline industry, Turkish Airlines’ financing team leverages deep expertise across diverse financing structures. Since 2009, the airline has won 30 international aircraft finance awards, amounting to approximately USD 16 billion in successful transactions.
The carrier has also pioneered multiple industry-first financing models, including Chinese Yuan-denominated aircraft financing outside China, groundbreaking JOLCO and tax lease structures, and sustainability-linked deals that reinforce its leadership in aviation finance innovation.
Turkish Airlines’ latest accolades add to a long history of recognition from globally renowned institutions such as Global Transport Finance, Airfinance Journal, and Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Turkey.
