Aviation

Our experience in aviation is unmatched. Having acted for a diverse range of clients such as aircraft owners, airlines, lessees, banks, investors and governmental authorities, we bring an in-depth understanding of both the global and local aviation markets, and the exacting requirements of every party to a transaction.

Airline mergers and acquisitions

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

Airline bankruptcy and restructuring

Our aviation practice began with the restructuring of the Maldives’ government owned airline, Air Maldives, and the re-establishment of the international carrier. Since then, we have acted for receivers and high-profile lender consortiums, including international banks and private equity groups, on restructuring airline businesses in the Maldives.

Aviation financing

Various financiers have engaged us on aircraft purchases, leasing, and the securitization of aviation assets, including Mauritius Commercial Bank, HSBC, and Bank of Canada.

Leasing and restructuring of airline leases

Airlines based in the Maldives and aircraft owners such as NAC Aviation and Marathon Group have engaged us on aircraft leases.

Establishing airline operations in the Maldives

Our experience includes acting for Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines in establishing airline operations in the Maldives.

Aviation investments

Aircraft and airline investors have turned to us for structuring, including VJ Mallya’s UB Group on establishing seaplane operations in the Maldives, and Close Brothers (London) on investments in seaplanes.

Airport development

International contractors and developers have engaged us on airport projects, including Beijing Urban Construction Group on the Malé International Airport development in 2018, and GMR Group in the bid for acquisition of Male’ International Airport in 2010.

Airline operations

Maldives-based airlines have sought our advice on complex operational matters, including aircraft accidents and insurance claims.