The Maples Group has acted as Cayman Islands counsel on a US$390.2 million aviation loan securitisation as aircraft lessors continue to tap capital markets.
Maples and Calder, the group’s law firm, advised HALO AirFinance on its first aviation loan asset-backed securitisation (ABS), known as HALO AirFinance 2026-1.
HALO is a joint venture between GA Telesis and Tokyo Century Corporation.
The transaction involves Class A, B, C and D notes with a legal final maturity date of August 2041.
Proceeds from the issuance were used to acquire 33 loans with an aggregate balance of approximately $427.2m as of July 2026.
The loans are backed by a portfolio of aviation assets comprising 14 narrowbody aircraft, 15 engines, two widebody aircraft and two freighter aircraft.
These assets are leased to 21 lessees across 14 countries, while equity interests in the transaction remain with HALO affiliates.
The Maples Group’s role covered the Cayman legal aspects of the securitisation, including work for Cayman fund vehicles within the wider HALO platform.
The firm also handled services related to listing the four classes of notes on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange.
Anthony Philp, co-head of the Maples Group’s Cayman Islands asset finance practice, said the transaction reflected continued investor interest in aviation credit opportunities.
It also highlights the ongoing evolution of financing solutions available to the sector and the continued growth of aviation loan ABS products, he said in a press release on 14 October.
“We are pleased to have supported HALO on a transaction that brings together a diversified portfolio of assets and borrowers within a sophisticated securitisation structure,” he said.
The Maples Group team included Philp, associate Sorcha O’Keefe and partner Jonathon Meloy from its finance team, as well as partner Philip Dickinson and associate Che Ammon from its funds and investment management team.
The deal follows the firm’s work on a $1.5 billion commercial paper programme for aircraft lessor Avolon, which closed in August.
