Aviation & Asset Finance in Ukraine
Entering the aviation sector in Ukraine requires more than a single legal solution. Aircraft transactions, regulatory approvals, and financing structures must work together — otherwise, projects fail at the implementation stage.
Whether you are leasing aircraft (→ Aircraft Leasing & Acquisition), investing in airport infrastructure (→ Aviation Regulatory & Compliance), or structuring cross-border financing (→ Structured Asset Finance), 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.
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, 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.
Step 1 — Preliminary assessment. We review the transaction, regulatory, and financing elements.
Step 2 — Risk identification. We identify where the structure may fail in Ukraine.
Step 3 — Structuring alignment. We advise how to align transaction, regulatory, and financing components.
Step 4 — Implementation roadmap. We define the sequence of steps required for execution.
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
FAQ: Aviation & Asset Finance in Ukraine
What is the main risk in aviation projects in Ukraine?
The main risk is execution — whether transaction, regulatory, and financing elements work together in practice.
Can aviation projects be financed by foreign lenders?
Yes, but financing structures must be adapted to Ukrainian law and enforcement realities.
What typically causes delays in aviation projects?
Lack of coordination between regulatory approvals, transaction structuring, and financing.
Are airport projects viable in Ukraine?
Yes, particularly in the context of post-war recovery, but they require careful regulatory and financial structuring.
Do international aviation and finance structures work in Ukraine without changes?
In most cases, no. They require adaptation to local law and practice.
When should Ukrainian counsel be involved?
At the earliest stage, to ensure that the overall structure is workable.
Related practices
Ready to move forward?
We will assess your project and ensure that all elements — transaction, regulation, and financing — work together in Ukraine.
