MUFG has won two awards at the annual ISHKA Deal of the Year Awards, recognised for the Editor's Choice 2019 Award for MUFG's acquisition of DVB's aviation financing business, and Best Commercial Bank Deal 2019 for an AFS-backed financing transaction for AirBridgeCargo.

In February 2019, MUFG financed a Boeing 747-8F for delivery to AirBridgeCargo (ABC) Airlines, one of the world's leading air cargo carriers, which was backed by Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a leading aircraft operating lessor. MUFG provided essential structuring advice to ACG, assisting with the complex nature of this innovative new product.

Late 2019 saw MUFG acquire DVB's aviation financing lending business. With an already well-established track record in this space, this acquisition further strengthened the team and enhanced MUFG's global reach and product offering. Throughout this exceptional year, MUFG has leveraged this wealth of expertise to provide support to clients, tailoring solutions to meet their needs during this unconventional period.

Philip Roberts, Deputy Head of GCIB for MUFG in EMEA, said:

"Our Aviation business has gone from strength to strength over the past year, despite challenges in the market.

"To be acknowledged by ISHKA on our recent successes is a true testament to the dedication and focus from the team and clearly reflects how we are striving to become an even stronger financial partner to our clients."

These awards further bolster MUFG's reputation in the aviation sector, having recently been recognised in a number of roles for various deals by Airfinance Journal earlier this year.

Though the awards could not be held in-person this year due to COVID-19, the event took place virtually on 15 October. ISHKA is a global media service which provides data driven insights for the aviation finance community.