Insolvency termination clauses in Supply Contracts
What are the potential implications of the new measures in relation to contracts for the supply of goods or services set out in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (the “Act”) for aircraft lenders, lessors and airlines? In the second of a series of three articles, we consider the new prohibition on suppliers invoking termination clauses (or changing other terms) upon an insolvency or formal restructuring process introduced in the Act.
If you are an aviation professional in the COVID-19 era, you are likely learning about, or reacquainting yourself with, the restructuring process.
The UK Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, currently progressing through UK Parliament, will have an impact on various stakeholders in the aviation industry once enacted, due to its moratorium, supply contract, and restructuring plan provisions.
Key Features
The UK Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill has three key features:
Virgin Australia Airlines operated a fleet of 144 aircraft of which 142 were leased to approximately 73 lessors and financiers when the Board resolved to appoint Administrators on 20 April 2020 because of concerns as to solvency. Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd is the second largest airline operating in Australia.
1. Which financial (not tax or labour) short-term compensation schemes for immediate losses due to social distancing measures have been implemented? For which industries/sizes of business?
Deferred Loan Repayment
Karen McMaster, Ben Andrews and James Cameron, Milbank LLP
This is an extract from the 2020 edition of GRR's the Europe, Middle East and Africa Restructuring Review. The whole publication is available here.
In summary
COVID-19 Cuts a Harsh Path Through the Aviation Sector
What are the principal types of insolvency proceedings?
