Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised Qatar Airways Group on its inaugural JOLCO transaction covering three Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The financing was granted by HSBC, acting as debt arranger and sole lender, with JP Lease Products & Services Co., Ltd. (“JLPS”) underwriting and arranging the JOLCO equity.
This is the first of three transactions planned under Qatar Airways’ inaugural JOLCO programme in Japan, which will cover a further four aircraft in total with JLPS serving as equity arranger throughout. The deal establishes Qatar Airways Group’s presence in the Japanese aircraft financing market and further strengthens its financial partnerships across Asia.
The WFW London Aviation and Aerospace team that advised Qatar Airways Group was led by Partner Chris Mitchell, supported by Senior Associate Michael Keightley.
Chris added: “I’m delighted to have advised Qatar Airways Group on their inaugural JOLCO transaction. More than simply a financing milestone, the transaction marks an important step in the diversification of its aircraft financing platform. It establishes a new funding channel in the Japanese market and reflects the confidence of a highly sophisticated investor base in Qatar Airways Group’s credit quality and long-term growth strategy”.
The significance of the transaction was recognised when it was named “Middle East & Africa Lease Deal of the Year” at the Airline Economics Middle East, Africa & Islamic Aviation 100 Awards 2026.
