Milbank Awarded Eight Deals of the Year by Airfinance Journal

In the latest recognition of its depth of experience in the aviation industry, Milbank LLP is pleased to announce that the Transportation and Space Group advised on eight “Deals of the Year” awarded by Airfinance Journal. The annual awards reception took place on May 2 in New York City.

The firm acted as counsel in the following award-winning transactions in 2018:

• Overall Deal of the Year: ORIX Aviation‘s $2.2 billion equity investment for a 30 percent Stake in Avolon. Milbank advised ORIX Aviation.
• ABS Deal of the Year: GECAS STARR’s 2018-1 $687 million ABS financing for 24 aircraft. Milbank advised the initial purchasers.
• Bank Loan Deal of the Year: Novus Aviation Capital’s limited recourse financing of four Boeing 777-300ERs on lease to British Airways. Milbank advised Novus Aviation Capital.
• Engine Deal of the Year: Willis Lease Finance Corp.’s WEST IV $373.4 million ABS or 55 engines. Milbank advised Willis Lease and Willis Engine Structured Trust.
• Middle East & Africa Deal of the Year: Ethiopian Airlines’ $670 million AFIC supported financing for 8 Boeing aircraft. Milbank advised the Aircraft Finance Insurance Consortium (AFIC).
• Overall Capital Markets Deal of the Year: Air Lease Corp.’s Thunderbolt II $450 million ABS for 18 aircraft. Milbank advised the Global Coordinator, Joint Lead Structuring Agents and the Joint Lead Bookrunners.
• M&A Deal of the Year: Goshawk Aviation / SKY Leasing $900 million acquisition of 51 aircraft. Milbank advised Goshawk Aviation Ltd.
• Editor’s Deal of the Year: BBAM – Fly Leasing & Incline – Portfolio acquisition and financing for 84 aircraft. Milbank advised AirAsia Berhad.

Drew Fine, chair of Milbank’s Finance practice and leader of the Transportation and Space group, said: “Milbank is pleased to be recognized by Airfinance Journal for working alongside our clients on the most innovative deals in the aviation industry.”