Dubai - Mubasher: Emirates is in negotiations with banks regarding the possibility of raising around $1 billion through the sale of Islamic bonds (Sukuk) during the first half of 2018.

The Emirati airline joins a list of regional issuers seeking funding from international debt markets before higher US interest rates push up borrowing costs, as reported by Arabian Business.

“Emirates always seeks diverse sources of funding, including bank finance, operating leases, Islamic financing, sukuk and bonds,” said a spokeswoman for the company.

“We are continually engaged in discussions with various financial institutions. We will not offer comment unless a deal is formally announced,” she added.