De Havilland Aircraft of Canada’s recent successful claim for summary judgement against SpiceJet in the English High Court serves as a timely reminder of the issues that can arise in aircraft purchase agreements. Read more

Blockchain is seen by many as the most significant technological breakthrough since the advent of the internet. While digital currencies based on blockchain technology have monopolised many of the headlines, blockchain has far wider-reaching potential and new applications are capable of disrupting practices across many sectors, including aviation. Read more

The widespread disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to renewed interest in potential bases for avoiding contractual obligations. However, arguing in English law that an aircraft lease has been frustrated by the consequences of pandemic, may be unlikely to succeed. Read more

An increasing number of UK manufacturing and industrial companies including Rolls-Royce and the UK’s two largest airlines have recently turned to UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency for trade finance and insurance, to provide guarantees to assist with accessing commercial loans. Read more

Structuring and documenting aviation finance and leasing transactions typically generates a high volume of paperwork, intense email traffic and the accompanying hours of time spent by clients and advisors producing and reviewing documentation and conditions precedent. Given the nature of work often involves large scale transactions, asset finance practices would appear to be the ideal … Read more

As we come to the end of what has been an unprecedented year for our clients, and the aviation industry at large, the HSF aviation finance team would like to wish you and your families an enjoyable holiday season. While the year has undeniably had its challenges, it has not also been without its opportunities … Read more

Welcome to “Aviation Finance notes”, Herbert Smith Freehills’ aviation finance know-how and market intelligence blog. We are delighted to be launching this blog where you will find regular updates on the latest developments in international aviation finance. Here, we will be posting a series of short articles, videos and podcasts engaging with current issues, trends … Read more

The unprecedented disruption to international travel caused by COVID-19 has created unique challenges for the aviation industry. In this note we consider how lessors can manage their exposure going forward and deal with the challenges arising from the pandemic. Consider clawback and local insolvency Lessors should anticipate the risk that local liquidators or insolvency officeholders … Read more