AVERUS has completed a significant international transaction involving the sale of two Airbus aircraft for operation by Syria’s national carrier, Syrian Arab Airlines.

The AVERUS team represented two Irish aircraft owners and advised them throughout the entire transaction – from the letter of intent, technical inspections, and financing matters through to the final delivery of the aircraft.

“This transaction was particularly significant due to its geopolitical context and complexity. It involved seven countries, nine law firms, and international advisory teams, while its implementation required navigating U.S. and European sanctions, export controls, and compliance requirements,” said Laura Čereškaitė-Kinčiuvienė, Managing Partner at AVERUS and Head of the firm’s Aviation Practice.

According to Laura, transactions like this are never only about legal documentation. Legal, technical, and commercial processes all come together.

“One particular moment from the transaction has stayed with me. The technical inspection of the aircraft had already been completed, the buyer was already ‘trying on’ the aircraft identification plates bearing the new owner’s name, while the legal ownership transfer process was still being finalised. At that point, we simply asked the client not to hand over the aircraft keys until we confirmed that the transaction had closed,” said L. Čereškaitė-Kinčiuvienė, who led the transaction.

AVERUS aviation law expert Irina Majauskė was also part of the transaction team.

According to Laura, the transaction took place at a particularly important moment for Syria. Following the fall of the Assad regime, the international legal and economic environment surrounding the country has changed significantly – sanctions have been eased, while Syria is seeking to rebuild ties with international markets, its economy, and its infrastructure. It is rewarding to have contributed to such a historic international development.