Asset finance

Maples Group

Maples Group‘s aviation finance work is closely associated with its expertise in asset-backed securitisations and CLOs, along with the establishment of aviation platforms and private equity investments. With its fiduciary services arm, the firm is particularly noted for structured transactions involving a Cayman TopCo and Irish SPV; the Dublin team frequently works alongside colleagues in the Cayman Islands. With further expansion in the CLO sector, the Dublin office has also gained additional traction in the rail rolling stock sector. Led by Mary O’Neill, the team also features Alex Walsh and Eoin O’Leary. Stephen Gardiner was a new arrival in early 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Maples Group are a pleasure to work with. They are particularly personable, which I value very much. At the same time, they are extremely cost and time efficient.’
��Mary O'Neill is a stand out service provider. She is extremely efficient, helpful and decent in all of her dealings.’
‘The practice is very commercial, solving problems rather than just issue raising.’
‘We regard Maples as a market leader in Ireland for aircraft leasing work. We work with them on a large number of matters every year. They are always responsive and the advice spot on.’
‘Mary O'Neill is one of the top practitioners in aircraft finance in Ireland. Eoin O'Leary is also highly recommended. I have been working with both of them for many years.’
‘The team goes over and above to deliver transactions on time. They combine quick turnaround times with practical and commercial legal advice.’
‘Mary O'Neill is excellent. Always available and provides commercial and practical advice. Eoin O'Leary is a very thorough practitioner. He ensures our transactions get completed in a timely and efficient manner.’
‘Spends time to understand our business, so advice and implementation is tailored to our needs.’

Key clients

Acia Aero Leasing
ACS Aero Leasing
AE Industrial Partners
AirAsia
Altavair
Avolon
Bain Capital
BNP Paribas
China Aircraft Leasing Company
Cross Ocean
DAE
Deucalion
Deutsche Bank
Falko/Chorus
Griffin
ICBC
Investec Bank
JPMorgan
KKR
Marathon
MUFG
Muzinich
Natixis
Qatar National Bank
Sky Leasing
SMBC Aviation Capital
SocGen
ST Aerospace
Stonepeak
Total Engine Asset Management
UKEF
US Ex-Im Bank
Vistara
volofin

Work highlights

Advised Avolon on its $1bn bond unsecured bond issuance.
Advised Falko Regional Aircraft on its agreement to acquire a portfolio of 24 Embraer E-Jets from Nordic Aviation Capital.
Advised volofin and Magnetic Leasing on their first term loan, which will be used to finance mid-life narrowbody aircraft, engines and landing gears.