Aircraft Leasing Deal of the Year (New)

This award is open to aircraft lessors, airlines, financiers, investors, legal advisers, arrangers, OEMs, and other organisations involved in the successful execution of an aircraft leasing transaction with a significant connection to the island of Ireland. The award recognises a standout aircraft leasing deal completed within the last 12 months that demonstrates innovation, commercial excellence, strategic value, and a positive impact on the aviation industry. Entries may relate to a single transaction or a portfolio transaction, including sale and leasebacks, operating leases, finance leases, portfolio acquisitions, restructurings, sustainability-linked transactions, securitisations, or other innovative leasing arrangements. Each submission should clearly outline the nature, scale, complexity, and significance of the transaction and provide evidence of its impact and outcomes. Entry is by a 5 A4 page submission; the judges will be looking for clear information, backed up by evidence, that pays particular attention to the criteria listed below.

• Strategic Importance of the Deal: Describe the strategic objectives behind the transaction and explain why it was significant for the parties involved. Judges will consider how the deal supported fleet growth, capital optimisation, market expansion, risk management, sustainability goals, or other long-term business objectives.
• Innovation and Deal Structuring: Outline any innovative features of the transaction. This may include novel financing structures, lease arrangements, sustainability-linked elements, portfolio solutions, risk-sharing mechanisms, digital processes, or creative approaches used to overcome commercial, regulatory, or market challenges.
• Complexity and Execution Excellence: Explain the complexity of the transaction and how it was successfully executed. Consider factors such as the number of stakeholders involved, cross-border considerations, regulatory requirements, financing arrangements, timelines, and project management. Judges will assess how effectively challenges were identified and addressed.
• Impact on Business Growth and Industry Development: Demonstrate how the transaction contributed to the growth and success of the organisations involved and, where applicable, to the wider aviation leasing sector. This may include increased market presence, portfolio expansion, new customer relationships, investment attraction, or support for aviation industry development.
• Measurable Outcomes and Results: Provide evidence of the transaction's success through measurable outcomes. Judges will consider financial performance, fleet impact, operational benefits, customer outcomes, strategic achievements, or other demonstrable results arising from the deal.