SMBC Joins List of Aviation Lessors Suing Insurers Over Jets Stuck in Russia
SMBC Aviation Capital has joined most of the world’s largest aircraft lessors in pursuing insurance claims through the courts over jets it owns that are stuck in Russia, an Irish High Court filing showed.
The filing, issued against Lloyd’s of London on Nov. 28, did not include details on the size of the claim by SMBC, which is owned by a consortium including Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.
Aircraft Lessors Sue Insurers for $6.5 Billion Over Planes Trapped in Russia
“SMBC Aviation Capital confirms it has commenced litigation in the Irish courts against the insurers of aircraft lost in Russia. Appropriate insurance is in place and we expect to be paid in accordance with our insurance policies,” SMBC said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Lloyd’s of London said it was not at liberty to share information on any specific claim, policy or policyholder.
SMBC is set to become the world’s second largest aircraft lessor by number of aircraft when it completes a $6.7 billion acquisition of smaller rival Goshawk Aviation shortly.
The proceedings are the fourth to be initiated in the Irish courts following filings by major lessors Avolon, BOC Aviation Ltd. and CDB Aviation.
Lessors are suing dozens of insurers around the world for around $6.5 billion, including a $3.5 billion lawsuit filed by the world’s biggest aircraft lessor, AerCap Holdings NV, at London’s High Court related to more than 100 seized planes.
(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; editing by Mark Potter)