WFW wins three AFJ Deal of the Year 2019 Awards30 June 2020

Leading aviation sector publication Airfinance Journal has recognised Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) as advising on three (3) ‘Deals of The Year 2019’ at their virtual awards ceremony held today.

The firm’s wins in full were:

• Overall Capital Markets Deal of the Year: Advising Norwegian Air Shuttle on their Norwegian bond extension and amendment, including collateral over certain take-off and landing slots;
• Africa Deal of the Year: Advising Investec on the PDP financing of Airbus A220 aircraft for Air Austral; and
• Structured Lease Deal of the Year: Advising EastMerchant Capital on both the PDP and long-term financing of Boeing 787-9 aircraft leased to Etihad Airways.

Global Aviation Sector Co-Head Jim Bell commented: “I am delighted that WFW has been recognised for its leading role in advising on some of the most high-profile, complex and innovative deals in the aviation market. The award-winning transactions covered Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and so further reinforces our standing as one of the world’s leading aviation practices”.

Global Aviation Sector Co-Head Charles Viggers added: “Aviation has been one of WFW’s core areas of specialism since the firm’s inception. Winning these prestigious awards, as well as our promotion of three (3) new aviation-focussed Partners in May of this year, demonstrates both the firm’s excellence in, and commitment to, advising on major complex, cross-border transactions in the aviation sector”.