Global Aviation Industry Influence

We are proud to announce that Sulija Partners has become a member of the Aviation Working Group (AWG). The AWG is a not-for-profit legal entity comprised of leading aircraft manufacturers, financiers, and lessors that shape policies, laws, and regulations concerning aircraft leasing and financing across the globe.

The AWG played a critical role in the development of the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol (CTC), which has become a cornerstone of international aviation finance law. Today, AWG works globally to support CTC implementation and compliance, while also promoting further ratifications of the treaty. In addition to CTC-related efforts, AWG undertakes a wide range of projects aimed at improving aviation financing and leasing practices.

One key area of AWG’s work is the creation of national or regional contact groups in countries that have ratified, or are considering ratifying, the CTC. These groups bring together legal experts to exchange insights and experiences with the CTC in practice, contribute to its implementation, and assess the enforceability of contractual rights under national law. AWG also coordinates with these groups through its legal advisory panel (LAP) to ensure a continuous flow of information and best practices.

AWG’s recent projects include:

• The release of model court rules for disputes governed by the Cape Town Convention.
• Publication of lease transfer principles and updated standard documentation for lease transfers.
• A statement of principles on economic sanctions impacting international aviation finance.
• Establishment of a transnational commercial and leasing law project in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin.
• An independent expert opinion on applying the Cape Town Convention under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code involving a non-US debtor.
• The semi-annual 2024 update of the Cape Town Compliance Index.
• Appointment of an AWG research fellow on cross-border transferability and bilateral air safety agreements (BASAs).
• AWG's collaboration with ICAO on enhancing cross-border aircraft transferability and Cape Town Convention compliance.
• The release of the Cross Border Transferability (XBT) Handbook.
• An updated study on Loss Given Default for aircraft-backed loans.
• A suite of resource materials on the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol to assist courts, civil aviation authorities, and practitioners.
• AWG's submission of a comment letter on EU Taxonomy as applied to aviation.

With Norton Rose Fulbright serving as the acting coordinating firm for many of AWG’s initiatives, the group continues to foster a collaborative approach to aviation financing and leasing. 

By joining AWG, Sulija Partners is poised to contribute to these impactful projects and initiatives, further strengthening its role in shaping the future of international aviation finance and leasing.

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