January 9, 2008 — AWAS and Airbus announced today that the Dublin-based leasing company has signed a purchase agreement for an order of 75 new A320 family aircraft along with options for 25 more A320 family aircraft. Following its recent acquisition of Pegasus Aviation Finance, AWAS is now one of the three largest aircraft leasing companies in the world. Aero Law Group acted as outside counsel to AWAS in the transaction.
AWAS President and Chief Executive Franklin Pray said, “This transaction represents a natural extension of the new aircraft order stream that we acquired last year through the acquisition of Pegasus Aviation Finance Company. Consistent with our long term strategy, this deal further diversifies our fleet and allows AWAS to meet current and future demand from our customers for highly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.
“We have successfully doubled the size of our company in 2007 and this deal announcement is further confirmation of our prime position in the industry,” Mr. Pray concluded.
Founding Attorney of Aero Law Group Kevin Austin said, “It has been the firm’s honor to support AWAS’ continued growth plans through the successful conclusion of this transaction. This signifies the largest order from an aircraft leasing client supported by Aero Law Group.”
AWAS owns and manages 315 modern aircraft and has approximately 129 airline customers situated around the world. The AWAS fleet features a full range of aircraft from Airbus and Boeing and is a leader in next-generation technology, having become one of the first lessors to order both the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350 XWB.
Aero Law Group’s mission is to provide the highest quality transactional legal services to airlines and aircraft owners and operators worldwide.