Maples Group Advises FTAI Aviation on Inaugural Aviation ABS

Working closely with FTAI’s lead counsel, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, the Maples Group’s multi-disciplinary team provided Cayman Islands legal advice, listing agent, share trustee and independent director services to FTAI. The legal team consisted of Jonathon Meloy, Cayman Islands Head of Finance; Anthony Philp, Cayman Islands Co-Head of Asset Finance; Sorcha O’Keefe, Associate; and Isa Martin, Associate. The Fiduciary team included Senior Vice President Mark Gordon and Senior Vice President Phillip Hinds.

The transaction involved the issuance of Class A and B Notes which are listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange. With strong investor demand both classes of notes were significantly oversubscribed, highlighting FTAI’s leadership in the narrowbody aircraft market. The proceeds will be used to finance a diversified portfolio of 48 commercial aircraft on lease to 23 lessees globally.

Commenting on the transaction, Anthony said, “This inaugural ABS issuance represents a significant achievement for FTAI Aviation and underscores the ongoing evolution of aircraft lease securitisation as a key financing tool. We are pleased to have supported FTAI through our unmatched expertise and ability to provide seamless multi-disciplinary asset finance support required for ABS transactions.”

From an international network of 15 offices, the Maples Group is a leader in the aircraft ABS market, acting for over 50% of lessors in the industry. The Maples Group has unmatched expertise and provides legal advice on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg as well as managing agent services, Delaware co-issuer services, share trustee services, independent directorship and management services, entity formation and administration services and stock exchange listings.