ImperialJet Europe Faces Lawsuit Over Challenger Jet Lease Defaults
Export Development Canada (EDC) and its subsidiary AJ Aircraft 1 Limited have filed a lawsuit against ImperialJet Europe and its majority owner, Abed El-Jaouni, over unpaid rental payments for two Bombardier Challenger jets.
The case, filed in the UK High Court (case no: CL-2024-000697), alleges that ImperialJet Europe owes USD 12.3 million in overdue rent, interest, and indemnities related to the leases of:
Challenger 850 (D-ALIK, msn 8066)
Challenger 605 (D-ABEY, msn 5863)
EDC claims that ImperialJet Europe began missing payments in 2018, leading to multiple lease terminations and settlement agreements. While USD 2 million was paid in 2022, the company reportedly defaulted on a revised USD 85,000 monthly lease for the Challenger 850 in 2023. The Challenger 605 remains stored at London Biggin Hill Airport, and key manuals and technical records are still missing.
EDC and AJ Aircraft 1 are seeking full payment of outstanding debts, interest, and damages, as well as an order to return missing aircraft records. The plaintiffs also named El-Jaouni as a defendant, citing his personal guarantee to cover ImperialJet Europe’s financial obligations.
The lawsuit highlights ongoing financial and legal challenges for ImperialJet Europe, raising questions about the company’s operational future.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com