British low-cost carrier easyJet is facing a lawsuit in London's High Court seeking at least $72 million over six leased Airbus aircraft. The legal action alleges that easyJet abandoned the aircraft after invoking European Union sanctions against Russia to terminate their leasing contracts. In response, easyJet stated that it will defend the case in full before the court.
The lawsuit was filed by STLC Europe Eight Leasing Limited, an Irish aircraft-leasing subsidiary of GTLK Europe, which serves as the international leasing division of Russia's state-owned State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK). Ireland's High Court placed GTLK Europe and GTLK Europe Capital into liquidation on May 31, 2023, appointing liquidators to sell off assets and recover funds owed to repay creditors.
According to a report by the Financial Times, the legal claim comprises at least $36.7 million in unpaid rent and interest, $32.5 million in lost aircraft value, and €2.8 million in airport fees. The six aircraft involved in the dispute had been grounded since March 2020 during the collapse in air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, well before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
easyJet contended that EU aviation sanctions against Russia legally prevented it from maintaining or repairing the leased aircraft. However, STLC Europe Eight rejected this argument, maintaining that the aircraft were located outside of Russia in Cyprus and Spain and that the leasing company was incorporated in Ireland, meaning maintenance should not have been restricted.
Regarding the current status of the aircraft, three Airbus A319 jets stored in Cyprus were recovered and sold, though liquidators noted that their degraded condition resulted in reduced sale prices. The remaining three aircraft stored in Madrid have not been sold, as legal proceedings continue in London.
