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, makes Ireland a commercially attractive place to set up and run an aircraft leasing company.



This certificate 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. It will address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and how the industry has changed as a result.



Participants will gain an overview of the key legal, financial, and technical issues, as well as an understanding of the broader regulation, tax, and insurance aspects relevant to aircraft leasing and finance. The teaching faculty for this diploma comprises a fantastic array of world-renowned legal practitioners from Ireland, the UK, and the USA, along with leading aviation industry specialists.

Modules

The programme is based on the following module scheme and covers key themes as listed below:



Module 1: Aviation Industry

Profile of the Irish aviation industry,

Development of industry,

Reasons why Ireland is an aviation hub,

Overview of tax and regulatory advantages.



Module 2: Aircraft leasing

Types of aircraft leases,

Key issues for lessors and lessees,

Lease structures,

Pre-lease investigation and structuring,

Aircraft operating lease agreement,

Main lease terms.



Module 3: Aviation financing

Types of finance and security,

Debt and structured finance,

Use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs),

Mortgages, guarantees, charges, assignments,

Structure and finance key documents.



Module 4: Key technical issues

Aircraft delivery,

Lease management,

Maintenance reserve management,

Maintenance claims,

Lease transitions,

Engine leasing – maintenance, records, security.



Module 5: Regulatory environment

Role of Irish Aviation Authority,

International regulation,

The Chicago Convention, ICAO, IATA,

The Cape Town Convention,

European Aviation Safety Agency Regulations,

EU Emissions Trading Scheme.



Module 6: Taxation and Aviation

Importance of Irish tax residence,

Depreciation, capital allowances,

Double taxation treaties,

Access to 12.5% rate,

Withholding tax.



Module 7: Insurance and Aviation

Relevant insurance principles,

Airline aviation insurances,

Lease insurance provisions,

Lessor considerations,

Claims management.



Module 8: Career Panel event

The careers panel offers participants an opportunity to get expert advice from industry professionals about gaining entry to the aviation industry or how to successfully move sectors within the industry. This event will take place online.



Workshops

Workshops are interactive sessions that focus on group problem-solving and are designed to revise all modules covered to date and to consolidate the participant’s knowledge.



Workshop 1: Thursday 24th October 2024

Workshop 2: Thursday 5th December 2024

Career panel event: Thursday 5th December 2024

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for the following:



- Solicitors, barristers, trainees and legal executives 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.



It is not necessary to have prior experience or knowledge of the aviation industry in order to apply for this certificate. Those who have successfully completed the Certificate in Aviation Leasing and Finance will be eligible for a discount on their diploma application.



We welcome applications from others 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 €175.

Application information

The closing date for applications for this course is 12th September 2024. To apply please follow the instructions below.



Solicitors and Trainees

To pay online click on the 'Register Now' button. For all other methods of payment please see our methods of payment .



Other Professionals

We welcome applications for this course from suitably qualified professionals. Your application must be approved before you can formally register on the course. To apply please email the following documents to diplomateam@lawsociety.ie :



A completed application form (see below)

Your Curriculum Vitae

A short cover letter setting out your relevant experience

Please note, for non-members this course is subject to a supplemental fee of €175 bringing the total course fee to €1,900. No fees are required prior to approval.

Delivery Method:

Lectures released online on Thursdays at 6pm. Onsite and online interactive workshops. Lectures are recorded and available to view on demand. Opening lecture and one workshop will take places both onsite and online.



CPD Hours:

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

Start Date: Thursday 26th September 2024 at 6:00 PM.