What do you need to know about aircraft leasing?

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If you are looking at leasing an aircraft or leasing out an aircraft then there are several elements that need to be taken into consideration.

What aircraft leasing due diligence is required?

It is essential that due diligence is conducted regarding the other side of any Leasing agreement. There are several key questions that should drive due diligence:

Further to the above checks due diligence then needs completing on the aircraft itself. Inspections are usually outlined in the leasing document. Conducting a suitable inspection is essential, and ensuring that legal terms outline the details of which, could solve any liability questions.

What elements of the leasing agreement need legal advice?

When leasing an aircraft there are several elements that require legal advice. It starts with the approvals required with organisations like the Civil Aviation Authority, Department for Transport and relevant foreign entities. Once approval is sought and accepted; the approvals, directions, exemptions, permissions and licence validations need to be reviewed prior to the aircraft being able to legally operate.

In the leasing agreement itself, we review the representations and warranties and whether the terms are manageable for you or require changes. We outline the risk to the party we represent.

Further, we review what termination clauses that are contained in the aircraft leasing agreement. Are there any clauses that could mean our client is without an aircraft? What are the clauses regarding defaulting on the terms? Also, we look at the Insurance and Indemnities that are required and review the policies to ensure that our client can conform with the terms.

What are the different types of aircraft lease options?

There are three types of aircraft lease agreement:

Wet lease agreement – is when the leasing company provides the aircraft and crew, whilst also maintaining the craft and insurance.
Dry lease agreement – is only for the aircraft.
Damp lease agreement – is a mixture of the two, with the leasing company providing elements that are required by the airline.

When establishing a leasing arrangement, it is important to establish the full commercial need.

Why Oracle Solicitors?

We have years of collective experience in the team dealing with some of the largest airlines in the aviation industry. We provide quality commercial advice at competitive prices.

Get in touch or call us today on 020 3051 5060.