Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises Airlink on leasing agreement for 10 new Embraer aircraft

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) has advised Airlink on the leasing of ten new Embraer E195-E2 passenger jets from Azorra – a significant asset financing transaction that supports the South African regional airline’s continued expansion across sub-Saharan Africa.

Airlink currently maintains and operates a fleet of over 65 aircraft, servicing more than 45 destinations across 15 African countries.

The addition of these new aircraft will enhance Airlink’s operational capacity, improve fuel efficiency, and support network growth. In addition to the commercial and operational flexibility offered by the larger and more capable E195-E2 jet aircraft, the airline will also benefit from cost savings and efficiencies due to the high degree of commonality in operations, maintenance, training, and equipment with its existing E-Jet fleet.

The Australian HSF Kramer team was led by partner Steven Catanzariti and executive counsel James McNicol, supported by associate Luke Smith in South Africa.

Finance partner Steven Catanzariti commented, “The new leasing agreement will allow Airlink to expand its regional fleet operations and support greater efficiencies and flexibility across the airline’s services. This deal is a great example of how we can leverage capability across our global network to provide the right expertise and best service to clients.”

The CEO of Airlink, Mr de Villiers Engelbrecht commented on HSF Kramer and Airlinks’ in-house legal team led by Ms Nambita Mazwi, “It was a pleasure dealing with the HSF Kramer team. They are consummate professionals and clearly experts in the field of aviation finance. The HSF Kramer team was always available to Airlink while navigating in very different time zones, it was legal and administrative execution at its finest.”

This deal adds to HSF Kramer’s market-leading track record in asset and leasing finance. Recent examples include advising, among others, Scoot, Malaysia Airlines and Philippines Airlines on debt financing for over 30 narrow-body aircraft, multiple JOLCO transactions, operating and finance leases, lessor and lessee novations and corporate debt transactions.