Law - Aviation Leasing & Finance

Programme structure and approach to learning:

Ireland is internationally recognised as the global hub for aviation leasing and finance, with 14 of the top 15 global aircraft lessors enjoying a presence here. More than 60% of the world’s fleet of leased aircraft is owned, leased, or managed in Ireland. The major industry players have been attracted by Ireland’s stable political regime, membership of the EU, favourable time zone, and talented workforce – not to mention our legal and regulatory advantages. In addition, Ireland’s network of over 70 double tax treaties, combined with the absence of withholding tax on aircraft lease rentals and a corporate tax rate of 12.5% on trading profits, makes Ireland a commercially attractive place to set up and run an aircraft leasing company.



This advanced-level diploma provides comprehensive coverage of the key aspects of the aviation leasing and finance industry. It aims to deliver an in-depth analysis of the core legal and practical issues that parties typically encounter in aircraft leasing and finance transactions.

Module 1: Introduction to the aviation industry

Origins of aviation industry in Ireland,

Profile of aviation industry 2024,

The bounce back after Covid-19

Reasons for development of Ireland as aviation hub,

Analysis of main industry players in the sector,

Overview of regulatory framework,

Aviation sustainability.



Module 2: Purchase and Leasing Aircraft

Reasons for investing in aircraft,

Aircraft operating lease agreements and key clauses,

Purchasing aircraft – the practical considerations,

Relevant purchase documentation,

Delivery of aircraft – acceptance certificates, relevant clauses,

Aircraft trading – GATS trading e-platform.



Module 3: Aviation Finance

Commercial debt financing for aviation,

Analysis of key capital markets structures,

PDP financing from a leasing company and bank perspective,

Analysis of typical Expert Credit Agencies structure (ECA),

Function of the Export-Import Bank (US) and Irish Stock Exchange,

Typical security taken over aircraft.



Module 4: Regulatory environment

Role of Irish Aviation Authority,

The Chicago Convention, ICAO, IATA

The Cape Town Convention,

The International Registry of Mobile Assets,

European Aviation Safety Agency Regulations,

EU Emissions Trading Scheme,

Registration and de-registration of aircraft.



Module 5: Taxation and Aviation

Importance of Irish tax residence,

Tax opinions, legal opinions,

Double taxation treaty network,

Withholding tax,

Section 110 Companies.



Module 6: Insurance and Aviation

Airline aviation insurances and key clauses,

Lease insurance provisions in aircraft operating leases,

Lessor considerations,

Claims management,

Standard endorsement analysis.



Module 7: Applied leasing issues

Jurisdictional issues,

Redelivery of aircraft,

Helicopters – leasing, registration,

Engine leasing,

Maintenance reserves,

Aircraft records management,

Corporate service providers.



Module 8: Repossession and recovery

Repossession in practice,

Key documentation, key clauses,

Material adverse changes,

Relevant default provisions,

Termination notices,

Applications to court,

Enforcement – practical steps.



Module 9: Fleet planning

Fleet planning by airlines,

Strategies engaged,

Case studies,

Lessor positioning.



Module 10: Case law and future trends

Irish and UK aviation case law update,

Overview of the aviation industry in Asia,

Future trends for aviation industry.



Module 11: Career Panel event

This will afford students the opportunity to get expert advice from professionals in the industry about how to enter the aviation industry or how to successfully move sectors within the aviation industry.



Workshops

Workshops are a key feature of this course. These are designed to be interactive and involve working in groups on selected case-study problems and analysis, with an emphasis on the application of the law to common scenarios encountered in practice.



Workshop dates: TBC

Who should attend?

In order to apply you must have a minimum of two years’ full-time experience in the aviation industry, or alternatively, have successfully completed the Certificate in Aviation Leasing and Finance.



This course is suitable for:

- Solicitors, barristers, and trainees who advise aviation clients or who wish to join the aviation sector;

- Professionals working in the aviation industry who wish to expand their knowledge with a view to career advancement or moving laterally to another discipline within the industry;

- Professionals working in aircraft leasing companies or airlines;

- Contract administrators and engineers;

- Professionals in financial institutions that fund the purchase of aircraft;

- Accountants, finance professionals, and tax consultants advising aviation clients; and

- Insurance professionals specialising in aviation insurance.



We welcome applications for this course from other professionals who are suitably qualified. Please explain your interest and set out any relevant experience in a cover letter and a brief CV. Such applications are subject to a supplemental fee of €335. An application form can be downloaded on our website. Those who have successfully completed the Certificate in Aviation Leasing and Finance Law will be eligible for a discount on their diploma application.

Application information:

The closing date for applications is 23rd January 2025. To apply, please follow the instructions below.



Solicitors and Trainees

To pay online click on the 'Book Now' button, otherwise please complete one of the application forms, containing our bank details, in the Download section below and send it to diplomateam@lawsociety.ie , indicating in your cover email should you need an invoice to pay by EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) or if you wish to pay by card over the phone.



Other Professionals

We welcome applications for this course from suitably qualified professionals. This application will need to be approved before you can book online. Please note, for non-members this course is subject to a supplemental fee of €335 bringing the total course fee to €3,500. No fees are required prior to approval. To apply please email the following documents to diplomateam@lawsociety.ie:



Completed application form (see below):

Curriculum Vitae

Short cover letter setting out your relevant experience

Delivery Method:

Lectures live online on Thursdays 6pm to 9pm with live onsite and online workshops on occasional Saturdays. All sessions are recorded and available to view on playback. It is possible to complete this course entirely online.



CPD Hours:

The number of hours of CPD that you may claim in relation to this course will depend on the way in which you access each of the individual sessions. For further information and the CPD booklet, see CPD scheme.

Start Date: Thursday 30th January 2025 at 6:00 PM.