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
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.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Mary O'Neill
Other key lawyers
Alex Walsh, Eoin O'Leary; Stephen Gardiner