QE secures victory for client FW Aviation (Holdings) against VietJet in English High Court claim relating to aircraft leasing

A Quinn Emanuel team, led by London Partner Paul Baker, successfully represented FW Aviation (Holdings) in a dispute against VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company in the English High Court. The case revolved around four Airbus A320 aircraft initially leased to VietJet under a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) structure.

When VietJet fell into arrears on rental payments in October 2021, termination notices were issued, and the FitzWalter group sought to take over the original lessors' and financing parties' roles. VietJet refused to recognise the termination notices and continued operating the aircraft in 2022.

The High Court ruled in favour of FW Aviation, the valid termination of the aircraft leasing and the valid assignment of relevant rights to the FitzWalter group. The judge also dismissed VietJet's counterclaim for relief from forfeiture.

Congratulations to the entire team – Paul Baker, Richard East, James McSweeney, Daniel Freund, Alex Quirk, Juliet Bull and Olivia Morris.

Case: FW Aviation (Holdings) 1 Ltd. v. VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company, case number CL-2022-000467, in the Commercial Court, King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales.

Learn more here. 
Read the judgment here.