Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Amedeo Limited, the Dublin based aircraft lessor, on the acquisition of two A380 superjumbos leased to Emirates under 12 year operating leases, representing the first time A380 aircraft have been acquired by an operating lessor on balance sheet.

The team was led by London partner Giles Brand, assisted by associate Juliet Huang. Sydney partner Nino di Bartolomeo also advised, supported by senior associate Barbara Carroll.

Giles Brand, partner, Norton Rose Fulbright, commented:

“This transaction represents the first time an A380 has been acquired on balance sheet by an operating lessor. Previously the equity portion of aircraft has been purchased by shareholders in funds such as those listed on the London Stock Exchange, making this a ground breaking transaction and one which we are pleased to have been involved in.”

The acquisition of the first aircraft closed on September 4 2014 and the second closed on November 3 2014. Financing was provided by bank syndicates led by Westpac and Qatar National Bank.

Norton Rose Fulbright has yet again been ranked in Tier 1 for aviation finance by leading legal directory Chambers UK, which described the practice as being known for its “consistent involvement in complex, high-value transactions.”