Almost always, yes. Aircraft operating and finance leases are very commonly governed by English law even when neither party is British, and lessors require the airline lessee, and any guarantor, to appoint a process agent in England and Wales before delivery. It is a standard closing item alongside insurances and acceptance documents.
Why aviation runs on English law and UK process agents
The cross border nature of aircraft leasing makes a neutral, creditor friendly governing law attractive, and English law fills that role across much of the market. With airlines operating from every continent, lessors need certainty that a default can be pursued without months of overseas service, so the lease's service of process clause names a UK agent and the letter of appointment is collected at or before delivery.
What a typical aviation appointment covers
A single delivery often involves several documents wanting cover: the lease itself, a guarantee from the airline's parent, side letters and sometimes a security assignment. One Tremark appointment can name them all, and fleet clients commonly hold a run of appointments as aircraft deliver, with each additional agreement adding £30, or £60 for three or more. Fixed terms matching the lease tenor, typically eight to twelve years in operating leasing, are the norm.
Working to delivery timetables
Aircraft deliveries move to the day, across time zones, and the letter of appointment cannot be the item that slips. We confirm appointments within 24 hours, issue standard letters in two to three working days, and provide same day letters for £150 where a delivery is closing. Lessors, airlines and their counsel can start with our order form or ask us to liaise with the deal teams directly.