Maples Group Assists SKY Leasing on US$503 Million Aircraft ABS

The Maples Group is pleased to have assisted SKY Leasing (“SKY”) with its latest aircraft ABS transaction, SLAM 2025 -1 (“SLAM”), which closed in May 2025.

SLAM involved the issuance of US$503 million of asset-backed notes that will be used to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of 19 aircraft, including 18 narrowbodies and one widebody on lease from 10 operators located in 10 jurisdictions.

The multi-jurisdictional team of asset finance lawyers from the Group’s law firm, Maples and Calder, provided Cayman Islands and Irish legal advice SKY. The team included Jonathon Meloy, Cayman Islands Head of Finance and Co-Head of Asset Finance; Anthony Philp, Partner; and Jonathan Brown, Associate, from the firm’s Cayman Islands office. From the firm’s Irish office, the team included Mary O’Neill, Partner; and Eoin O’Leary, Of Counsel.

From the Group’s Fiduciary team, Senior Vice President Phillip Hinds and Vice President Samuel Maguire and provided share trustee services while AML compliance officer Khalesiah Barboram provided AML services on the transaction.

The notes are listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange, with the Group acting as the listing agent.

“It has been rewarding to support SKY on their latest ABS issuance. SKY’s ability to expand their portfolio through complex, innovative aviation solutions generate strong investor demand and solidify them as a leader in the aviation sector,” commented Meloy. “Our continued work on ABS transactions underscores the strength and depth of our multi-jurisdictional team and the unmatched expertise we bring to clients for their asset finance needs.”

A longtime client, the Group’s Asset Finance team also supported SKY with their prior ABS issuances in 2021 and 2024, underscoring the confidence clients have in the Group’s aircraft securitisation services.

Vedder Price P.C. acted as US legal counsel to SKY.