First in global aviation; Etihad raises $1.2bn sustainability-linked loan

  • Date: 13-Oct-2021
  • Source: GCC Business News
  • Sector:Transport
  • Country:UAE
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First in global aviation; Etihad raises $1.2bn sustainability-linked loan



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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has raised $1.2 billion in global aviation’s first sustainability loan linked (SLL) to environmental, social and governance goals (ESG).

The deal is Etihad Airways’ third sustainable financing transaction as it pledged last year to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The transaction is also the largest sustainable financing in the airline’s history and follows the two innovative aviation financing deals, a first-of-a-kind sustainability-linked transition sukuk in 2020 and a loan tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased global concerns about climate change threats, with governments promising to build back greener and borrowers establishing ESG frameworks as part of that transition. Last week, airlines around the world reinforced their climate goals and committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 as they face increasing pressure from environmental activists and politicians.

Adam BoukadidaCFO – Etihad Aviation Group

“Etihad Airways has spearheaded sustainable financing in aviation, and we are proud to continue our innovative track record by being the first airline to secure a sustainability-linked ESG loan. Financing our operations in a way that supports both our planet and the people in our local communities is the natural next step of our