Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) supported the development of foundational materials for the Aviation Working Group (AWG) and Trinity College Dublin's transnational commercial and leasing law project.
The project launched on January 16, 2025, with its first symposium based on the foundational materials. The materials were subdivided into four sections, covering items such as the history and economic impact of leasing; the liability of lessors and lessee for damage to third parties caused by leased property; conflict of laws in international leasing transactions; and the impact of insolvency laws on international leasing transactions.
WFW's aviation and aerospace sector head Jim Bell and project lead as well as WFW senior global advisor Jeffrey Wool and former BOC Aviation CCO David Walton prepared the foundational materials.
“With leasing too often treated simply as a form of secured transaction, the foundational paper, the symposium, and the project are an ideal opportunity to undertake a deeper exploration into the importance of leasing to better prepare the aviation industry for the future,” said Bell.
Wool commented: “The foundational materials will provide a sound basis for the project to build upon over the coming years. We hope and expect to see research and articles based on and developing this vanguard work — all for the benefit and synthesising elements of academics, commerce and public policy.”
Leasing companies including as AerCap, Avolon, and SMBC were part of the advisory board. The project's advisory board also included companies Aviareto, BNP Paribas, and DCC. In addition, Irish law firms were on the board including A&L Goodbody, Arthur Cox, Mason Hayes & Curran, Matheson, and McCann FitzGerald.