Aviation & Asset Finance in Ukraine
Entering the aviation sector in Ukraine requires more than a single legal solution. A lease structured under English law may be technically sound — but if IDERA is not properly recorded with the SAAU, enforcement in a default scenario becomes a months-long process instead of days. Aircraft transactions, regulatory approvals, and financing structures must work together — otherwise, projects fail at the implementation stage.
Whether you are leasing aircraft, investing in airport infrastructure, or structuring cross-border financing, the key issue is not only the legal design but also whether the entire structure will function in practice in Ukraine. We act as Ukrainian counsel within international projects, ensuring that transactions, regulatory strategies, and financing structures are aligned, enforceable, and operational.
Why aviation & asset finance projects in Ukraine are different
Aviation and asset-based projects in Ukraine combine several layers that must be coordinated:
- aircraft transactions governed by international frameworks (e.g., Cape Town Convention)
- regulatory approvals and administrative practice (SAAU and other authorities)
- financing structures developed under foreign law and adapted locally
Most issues arise not at the structuring stage, but at the point where these elements interact. Projects typically fail or are delayed due to:
- lack of coordination between transaction, regulatory, and financing components
- incorrect sequencing of approvals and structuring steps
- assumptions that international models will work without adaptation
Our role is to ensure that these elements are connected and function as a single system — so that the project moves forward without execution gaps.
Ukraine’s aviation sector is entering a period of significant transformation. Post-war reconstruction is expected to drive demand for aircraft leasing, airport modernization, and new operator models. International investors and lenders who structure their entry correctly now will be positioned to participate in one of the largest aviation infrastructure rebuilding programs in Europe. Our practice is designed specifically for this transition — combining aviation transaction expertise with regulatory access and financing structuring capability.
Our aviation & asset finance practices
Aircraft Leasing, Acquisition & Repossession
Legal structuring and execution of aircraft leasing and acquisition transactions in Ukraine, including tax, registration, and enforcement.
Aviation Regulatory & Compliance
Market entry, licensing, airport projects, and interaction with aviation authorities.
Structured Asset Finance
Implementation of international financing structures in Ukraine, including SPV models, security packages, cross-border cash flows, and enforceability.
How these practices work together
Aviation projects require coordination across three levels:
- Transaction layer — aircraft leasing and acquisition
- Regulatory layer — access to the aviation market and infrastructure
- Financing layer — funding, security, and risk allocation
Each layer depends on the others. For example: a properly structured lease may fail without regulatory readiness; a financing structure may collapse if security is not enforceable; an airport project may be delayed if regulatory approvals are not aligned with financing.
We ensure that all three layers are designed and implemented as one coherent structure.
How we start
The first question is not “what services are required” — it is whether the project is workable in Ukraine and how to structure it correctly from the outset.
Step 1 — Preliminary project assessment (48 hours). We review your transaction structure, regulatory position, and financing model — and provide an initial assessment of whether the project is workable in Ukraine within two business days.
Step 2 — Risk and gap identification. We identify specific points where the structure may conflict with Ukrainian law, regulatory practice, or enforcement mechanisms — and flag issues that require resolution before proceeding.
Step 3 — Structuring alignment. We advise how to align transaction, regulatory, and financing components into a single workable structure — including sequencing of approvals, documentation requirements, and authority interactions.
Step 4 — Implementation roadmap with defined milestones. We define a clear sequence of steps, responsible parties, and target timelines for each phase — so that the project has a measurable execution plan, not just a legal opinion.
Navigate by situation
Not sure where to start? Use your situation:
Working with international law firms
We regularly act as Ukrainian counsel within international aviation and finance projects. We understand how international transactions are structured and ensure that Ukrainian law elements:
- integrate into global structures
- do not create execution risks
- remain enforceable in practice
We work in coordination with lead counsel and do not disrupt client relationships.
Key experts
Doctor of Laws — International aviation law, Cape Town Convention
Doctor of Laws — Cross-border transactions, arbitration
PhD — Regulatory compliance, asset finance
Our aviation practice
Our team includes three doctors and candidates of legal sciences specializing in international aviation law, the Cape Town Convention, and cross-border asset finance. We advise international aircraft lessors, lenders, and law firms on Ukrainian-law aspects of aviation transactions — including projects involving SPV structures established in Ireland and other common leasing jurisdictions. Our work covers the full lifecycle of aviation assets in Ukraine: from initial structuring and regulatory coordination to enforcement and repossession.
FAQ: Aviation & Asset Finance in Ukraine
What is the main risk in aviation projects in Ukraine?
The main risk is not the legal structure itself, but its execution. Aviation projects combine three layers — transaction, regulatory, and financing — that must work together. When these are designed separately or sequenced incorrectly, projects stall at the implementation stage. We ensure that all three components are aligned before execution begins. For transaction-level structuring, see → Aircraft Leasing & Acquisition. For regulatory coordination, see → Aviation Regulatory & Compliance.
Can aviation projects be financed by foreign lenders?
Yes. International lenders regularly participate in Ukrainian aviation and infrastructure projects. However, financing structures developed under foreign law — including SPV models, asset-backed security, and cross-border cash flows — must be adapted to Ukrainian legal and enforcement realities. Without adaptation, security interests may be unenforceable and repayment mechanisms may not function as intended. See → Structured Asset Finance in Ukraine.
What typically causes delays in aviation projects?
Delays are almost always caused by misalignment between project layers: regulatory approvals obtained in the wrong sequence, financing structures incompatible with local requirements, or transaction documents that do not reflect Ukrainian administrative practice. Early involvement of local counsel significantly reduces these risks.
Are airport projects viable in Ukraine?
Yes. Most regional airports require significant modernization, which creates real opportunities for investors, operators, and infrastructure sponsors — particularly in the context of post-war reconstruction. Viability depends on regulatory structuring, financing model, and coordination with public authorities. See → Aviation Regulatory & Compliance.
Do international aviation and finance structures work in Ukraine without changes?
In most cases, no. International frameworks such as the Cape Town Convention are recognized in Ukraine, but their practical application — including IDERA, deregistration, and enforcement — depends on correct local implementation. Similarly, SPV-based financing structures require adaptation to Ukrainian security, tax, and enforcement rules. Our role is to bridge this gap.
When should Ukrainian counsel be involved?
At the earliest stage — ideally before the transaction structure is finalized. Late involvement often means that the structure must be redesigned to accommodate Ukrainian requirements, causing delays and additional costs. We regularly join projects at the structuring phase alongside international lead counsel.
Related practices
Ready to move forward?
We will assess your project and ensure that all elements — transaction, regulation, and financing — work together in Ukraine.
