In the recent AirFinance Journal Awards 2021, Walkers' was involved in five award winning transactions with significant roles on the following AirFinance Journal Deals of the Year: Africa Deal of the Year (TAAG Angola Airlines $145m Commercial Loan – Cayman counsel); Europe Deal of the Year (Virgin Atlantic £1.2bn Recapitalisation Plan – Irish and Cayman Counsel); Middle East Deal of the Year (Qatar Airways $800m Finance Lease – Cayman Counsel); News Event of the Year (GECAS $3bn Aviation Fund – Irish and Cayman counsel) and; Overall Deal of the Year (United Airlines $6.8bn Loyalty Financing – Cayman Counsel).

Walkers' also celebrated winning two Finance Dublin awards in the Aviation Finance category (Irish Scheme of Arrangement: Nordic Aviation Capital DAC) and in the Aviation Leasing category again for the GECAS $3bn aviation fund.

Commenting on these recent awards wins, Partner and Head of the Ireland Asset Finance practice, David McGovern said, "These awards exhibit an endorsement and a market recognition in respect of our team of internationally trained lawyers. Through our award winning global Asset Finance practice we provide clients with market-leading knowledge of the aircraft finance and leasing sector from a legal and commercial perspective. Our experience and capability also ensures that we document transactions in a practical and commercial manner. We are grateful to have been recognised by the AirFinance Journal and by Finance Dublin as a leading asset finance service provider."

James Burch, partner in Walkers' Cayman Islands office noted that "2020 was a difficult year for the aviation industry but our clients showed both resilience and initiative, as they have always done and our global asset finance teams are proud to have supported them on these market leading transactions that are also testament to the strength of the industry. Congratulations to all of our clients who were recognised in these awards."

Walkers' market leading asset finance team comprises 57 lawyers in ten offices practicing the laws of six jurisdictions. Together with our experienced fiduciary and accounting colleagues in Walkers Professional Services, Walkers provides comprehensive solutions across all major aviation jurisdictions for the establishment and ongoing operation of asset finance SPVs.