We have unmatched experience in Aviation work. Assisting a diverse range of clients – aircraft owners, airlines, lessees, banks, investors and governmental authorities – has given us the in-depth knowledge of the global and local aviation market, and the requirements of transaction parties.

Airline mergers and acquisitions

We have acted for the Blackstone Group in 2014 for the acquisition and merger of world’s largest seaplane operations by Maldives Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways. We also acted for Blackstone on the sale of the business in 2018 to Baine Capital and the Tempus Group.

Airline bankruptcy and restructuring

We started our aviation with the restructuring of the Maldives’ Government owned airline ‘Air Maldives’ and re-establishing the international carrier in the Maldives. We have also acted for receivers and high-profile lender consortiums including international banks and private equity groups on restructuring airline businesses in Maldives.

Aviation financing

We have acted for various financiers such as Mauritius Commercial Bank, HSBC, Bank of Canada on aircraft purchases and lease, and securitization of aviation assets.

Leasing and restructuring of airline leases

We have acted for airlines based in Maldives and aircraft owners such as NAC Aviation and Marathon Group or aircraft leases.

Establishing airline operations in the Maldives

Some of our experience includes acting for Qatar Airways. And Emirates Airlines in establishing airline operations in the Maldives.

Aviation investments

We have acted for aircraft airline investors such VJ Mallya’s UB Group in establishing seaplane operations in Maldives, and Close Brothers (London) in respect of investments in seaplanes.

Airport development

We have acted for international contractors and developers such as Beijing Urban Construction Group on the Male’ International Airport development in 2018, and GMR Group in the bid of acquisition of Male’ International Airport in 2010.

Airline operations

We have advised Maldives-based airlines on various complex matters arising from airline operations, including on aircraft accidents and insurance claims.