FORM OF AIRCRAFT LEASE AGREEMENTAircraft Lease Agreement |
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Search Aircraft Lease Agreement by:
Exhibit 10.2
FORM OF AIRCRAFT LEASE AGREEMENT (SN [See
Schedule I])
dated as of December _______, 2005 (“Agreement”)
This Agreement (together with
all supplements, annexes, exhibits and schedules hereto hereinafter referred to
as the “Lease”) is between CFS Air, LLC, with an
office at 44 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT 06810 (together with its
successors and assigns, if any “Lessor”) and Air
Logistics, L.L.C., a limited liability company organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Louisiana with its mailing address and chief place of
business at 4605 Industrial Drive, New Iberia, LA 70560 (hereinafter
called “Lessee”).
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1. |
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LEASING: |
(a) Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth below, Lessor agrees to lease to Lessee,
and Lessee agrees to lease from Lessor, the aircraft, including the airframe,
engines and all appurtenant equipment and property (together hereinafter the “Aircraft”)
described in Annex A.
(b) Lessor
shall purchase the Aircraft from Lessee and lease it to Lessee if on or before
the Last Delivery Date (specified in Annex B) Lessor receives each of the
following documents in form and substance satisfactory to Lessor: (i) a
copy of this Lease executed by Lessee, (ii) a Bill of Sale from Lessee to
Lessor in the form of Annex C; (iii) copies of insurance policies or, at
Lessor’s option, such other evidence of insurance which complies with the
requirements of Section 10, (iv) evidence of an N number for the Aircraft;
(v) evidence that the Aircraft has been duly certified as to type and
airworthiness by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”);
(vi) evidence that Lessor’s designated FAA escrow agent (which may be FAA
counsel) has received in escrow the executed bill(s) of sale (which shall
include, without limitation, a standard form FAA Bill of Sale) and AC Form
8050-1 Aircraft Registration Form (except for the pink copy which shall be
available to be placed on the Aircraft upon acceptance thereof), and an
executed duplicate of this Lease all in proper form for filing with the FAA;
(vii) resolution of Lessee authorizing this Lease in the form of Annex D;
(viii) a completed inspection and/or survey with respect to the Aircraft
in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Certificate of Acceptance;
(ix) an Additional Collateral Agreement executed by Lessee in a form and
substance satisfactory to Lessor; and (x) a Corporate Guaranty agreement
executed by Offshore Logistics, Inc. (the “Guarantor”) in a form
and substance satisfactory to Lessor (the “Guaranty”).
Lessor’s obligation to lease the Aircraft hereunder is further
conditioned upon (1) the cost to Lessor of the acquisition of the Aircraft
not exceeding the Capitalized Lessor’s Cost stated on Annex A;
(2) upon delivery of the Aircraft, Lessee’s execution and delivery
to Lessor of a Certificate of Acceptance in the form of Annex E; and
(3) filing of all necessary documents with, and the acceptance thereof by,
the FAA.
(c) Lessor
hereby appoints Lessee its agent for inspection and acceptance of the Aircraft
from the Supplier. Once the Certificate of Acceptance has been signed, Lessee
may not cancel this Lease other than in accordance with its express terms.
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2. |
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TERM, RENT
AND PAYMENT: |
(a) The
rent (“Rent”) payable for the Aircraft and Lessee’s
right to use the Aircraft begins on the date of the Certificate of Acceptance (“Commencement
Date”). The term (“Term”) of this Lease shall
commence on the Commencement Date and shall continue, unless earlier terminated
pursuant to the provisions of this Lease, until and including the Expiration
Date stated in Annex B. If any Term is extended or renewed, the word “Term”
shall be deemed to refer to all extended or renewal Terms, and all
provisions of this Lease shall apply during any such extension or renewal
Terms, except as may be otherwise specifically provided in writing.
(b) Lessee
shall pay rent to Lessor at its address stated above, except as otherwise
directed by Lessor. Rent payments shall be in the amount, payable at such
intervals and due in accordance with the provisions of Annex B. (Each payment
of Rent is hereinafter referred to as a “Rent Payment”). If
any Interim Rent (as defined in Annex B) or Advance Rent (as defined in Annex
B) is payable, such Interim Rent and/or Advance Rent shall be set forth on
Annex B and due in accordance with the provisions of Annex B, and when received
by Lessor, such Interim Rent shall be applied to the Rent Payment due for the
Interim Period as set forth on Annex B and such Advance Rent shall be applied
to the first Basic Term for Rent Payment as set forth on Annex B and any
balance, if any, shall be applied to the next scheduled Rent Payment. In no
event shall any Advance Rent, Interim Rent or any other Rent Payment be
refunded to Lessee. If Lessor does not receive from Lessee payment in full of
any Rent Payment or other payment due hereunder on or prior to the due date
thereof, then Lessee shall pay to Lessor a late fee equal to 3% of the amount
due but not received within 10 days after the due date therefor, in addition
to, the unpaid amount of such Rent Payment, but not exceeding the lawful
maximum, if any. Such late fee will be immediately due and payable and is in
addition to any other costs, fees and expenses Lessee may owe as a result of
such late payment.
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3. |
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RENT
ADJUSTMENT: |
(a) If,
solely as a result of Congressional enactment of any law (including, without
limitation, any modification of, or amendment or addition to, the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“Code”)), the maximum
effective corporate income tax rate (exclusive of any minimum tax rate) for
calendar-year taxpayers (“Effective Rate”) is higher than
thirty-five percent (35%) for any year during the Term of this Lease, then
Lessor shall have the right to increase such rent payments by requiring payment
of a single additional sum. The additional sum shall be equal to the product of
(i) the Effective Rate (expressed as a decimal) for such year less .35
(or, in the event that any adjustment has been made hereunder for any previous
year, the Effective Rate (expressed as a decimal) used in calculating the next
previous adjustment) times (ii) the adjusted Termination Value (defined
below) divided by (iii) the difference between the new Effective Rate
(expressed as a decimal) and one (1). The adjusted Termination Value shall be
the Termination Value (calculated as of the first rental due in the year for
which such adjustment is being made) minus the Tax Benefits that would be
allowable under Section 168 of the Code (as of the first day of the year
for which such adjustment is being made and all future years of the lease
term). The Termination Values are defined on Annex F and the Tax Benefits are
defined on Annex B. Lessee shall pay to Lessor the full amount of the
additional rent payment on the later of (i) receipt of notice or (ii) the
first day of the year for which such adjustment is being made.
(b) Lessee’s
obligations under this Section 3 accruing prior to the expiration or
termination of this Lease shall survive any expiration or termination of this
Agreement.
4. TAXES AND FEES: If permitted by law, Lessee shall report and pay
promptly all taxes, fees and assessments due, imposed, assessed or levied
against the Aircraft or any part thereof or any engine thereof (or purchase,
disposition, ownership, delivery, leasing, possession, use or operation
thereof), this Agreement (or any rents or receipts hereunder), any Schedule,
Lessor or Lessee, by any domestic or foreign governmental entity or taxing
authority during or related to the term of this Agreement, including, without
limitation, all license and registration fees, and all sales, use, personal
property, excise, gross receipts, franchise, stamp, value added, custom duties,
landing fees, airport charges, navigation service charges, route navigation
charges or other taxes, imposts, duties and charges, together with any
penalties, fines or interest thereon (collectively “Taxes”).
Lessee shall have no liability for Taxes imposed by the United States of
America or any state or political subdivision thereof which are on or measured
by the net income of Lessor except as provided in Sections 3 and 14(c) (“Income
Taxes”). Lessee shall promptly reimburse (on an after tax basis)
Lessor for any Taxes charged to or assessed against Lessor other than Income
Taxes except as provided in Sections 3 and 14(c). Lessee shall show Lessor
as the owner of the Aircraft on all tax reports or returns, and send Lessor a
copy of each report or return and evidence of Lessees payment of Taxes upon
request. All of Lessor’s rights, privileges and indemnities
contained in this Section 4 shall survive the expiration or other
termination of this Lease. The rights, privileges and indemnities contained
herein are expressly made for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by
Lessor, its successors and assigns.
5. REPORTS: Lessee will provide Lessor with the following in
writing within the time periods specified: (a) notice of any tax or other
lien which attaches to the Aircraft and the full particulars of the tax or
lien, within thirty (30) days after Lessee becomes aware of the tax or
lien, (b) Guarantor’s complete financial statements, certified by a
recognized firm of certified public accountants, within ninety (90) days
of the close of each fiscal year of Guarantor, and any further financial
information or reports, upon reasonable request (it being understood that so
long as Guarantor continues to report its financial statements in SEC form
10-K, and such 10-K remains publicly available, Guarantor shall have no further
obligation to deliver annual financial statements); (c) notice to Lessor
of the Aircraft’s location, and the location of all information, logs,
documents and records relating to the Aircraft and its use, maintenance and/or
condition, immediately upon reasonable request; (d) notice to Lessor of
the relocation of the Aircraft’s primary hangar location, as soon as
practicable upon intent by Lessee to so relocate and in any event at least
simultaneously with any relocation; (e) notice of loss or damage to the Aircraft
which would cost more than the lesser of (i) ten percent (10%) of the
original Capitalized Lessor’s Cost or (ii) two hundred fifty
thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) to repair or replace, within ten (10) days of
such loss or damage; (f) notice of any accident involving the Aircraft
causing personal injury or property damage, within the earlier of twenty
(20) days of such accident or when required to be reported to the FAA;
(g) copies of the insurance policies or other evidence of insurance required
by the terms hereof, promptly upon request by Lessor; (h) copies of all
information, logs, documents and records relating to the Aircraft and its use,
maintenance and/or condition, required to be reported to the FAA or reasonably
requested by Lessor; (i) such information as may be required to enable
Lessor to file any reports required by any governmental authority as a result
of Lessor’s ownership of the Aircraft, promptly upon request of Lessor;
(j) copies of any manufacturer’s maintenance service program contract
for the airframe or engines, promptly upon request by Lessor; (k) evidence
of Lessee’s compliance with FAA airworthiness directives and advisory
circulars and of compliance with other maintenance provisions of Section 7
hereof and the return provisions of Section 11, promptly upon request of
Lessor; and (l) notice of any change
in Lessee’s state of
incorporation or organization, within thirty (30) days of such change and
(m) such other reports or information as Lessor may reasonably request.
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6. |
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DELIVERY,
REGISTRATION, USE AND OPERATION: |
(a) The
Aircraft shall be delivered directly from the Supplier to Lessee unless the
Aircraft is being leased pursuant to a sale leaseback transaction in which case
Lessee acknowledges that it is in possession of the Aircraft as of the
Commencement Date.
(b) Lessee,
at its own cost and expense, shall cause the Aircraft to be duly registered in
the name of Lessor under the Title 49, Subtitle VII of the United States Code,
as amended (the “FAA Act”), and shall not register the
Aircraft under the laws of any other country.
(c) The
possession, use and operation of the Aircraft shall be at the sole risk and
expense of Lessee. Lessee acknowledges that it accepts full “operational
control” of the Aircraft (as defined in the Federal Aviation Regulations
(“FAR”). Lessee agrees that the Aircraft will be used and
operated: (i) in compliance with any and all statutes, laws, ordinances,
regulations and standards or directives issued by any governmental agency applicable
to the use or operation thereof; (ii) in compliance with any airworthiness
certificate, license or registration relating to the Aircraft issued by any
agency; (iii) in compliance with all safety and security directives of the
FAA and similar government regulations relating to aircraft security; and
(iv) in a manner that does not modify or impair any existing warranties on
the Aircraft or any part thereof. Lessee will operate the Aircraft
predominantly in the conduct of its business and will not use or operate, or
permit the Aircraft to be used or operated, (aa) in violation of any
United States export control law, (bb) in a manner wherein the predominant
use during any twelve month period is for a purpose other than transportation
for Lessee, its affiliates or its customers, or in a manner, for any time
period, such that Lessor or a third party shall be deemed to have
“operational control” of the Aircraft (except as otherwise
expressly permitted hereunder), or (cc) for the transport of mail or contraband.
The Aircraft will, at all times be operated by duly qualified pilots holding at
least a valid pilot certificate for aircraft having the same weight as the
Aircraft and instrument rating and any other certificate, rating, type rating
or endorsement appropriate to the Aircraft, purpose of flight, condition of
flight or as otherwise required by the FAR. Every pilot of the Aircraft shall
be employed and/or paid and contracted for by Lessee or its affiliates (except
for any FAA pilot who operates the Aircraft as part of an FAA inspection or to
certify an airman), shall meet all recency of flight requirements and shall
meet the requirements established and specified by the insurance policies
required under this Lease and the FAA. The primary hangar location of the
Aircraft shall be as stated in Annex B (subject to Section 5(d)). Lessee
shall not relocate the primary hangar location to a hangar location outside the
United States. Lessor may examine and inspect the Aircraft, wherever located,
on land and in flight, after giving Lessee reasonable prior notice.
(d) AT
ALL TIMES DURING THE TERM OF THE LEASE, THE AIRCRAFT WILL BE LOCATED AND USED
SOLELY WITHIN THE CONTINENT OF NORTH AMERICA (INCLUDING MEXICO) AND THE
CARIBBEAN (INCLUDING TRINIDAD) WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CUBA. NOTWITHSTANDING THE
FOREGOING, AT ALL TIMES DURING THE TERM OF THE LEASE, LESSEE AGREES NOT TO
OPERATE OR LOCATE THE AIRCRAFT, OR ALLOW THE AIRCRAFT TO BE OPERATED OR LOCATED
IN OR OVER (i) ANY COUNTRY OR JURISDICTION THAT DOES NOT MAINTAIN FULL
DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES, (ii) ANY AREA OF HOSTILITIES,
(iii) ANY GEOGRAPHIC AREA WHICH IS NOT COVERED BY THE INSURANCE POLICIES
REQUIRED BY THIS LEASE, OR (iv) ANY JURISDICTION OR NATION WHEREIN THE
OPERATION OR LOCATION THEREOF WOULD VIOLATE ANY APPLICABLE LAW, REGULATION, OR
RESTRICTION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE U.S. EXPORT ADMINISTRATION
REGULATIONS AND THE U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS. LESSEE ALSO
AGREES TO PROHIBIT ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH RESTRICTED NATIONS FROM OPERATING THE
AIRCRAFT.
(e) The
engines set forth on Annex A shall be used only on the airframe described in
Annex A and shall only be removed for maintenance in accordance with the
provisions of this Lease, except as otherwise expressly permitted herein.
(f) Lessor
shall not disturb Lessee’s quiet enjoyment of the Aircraft during the
Term of this Lease unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
under this Lease. Lessor shall not create or permit to exist any lien, encumbrance
or defect of title on the Aircraft other than this Lease or other liens in
favor of Lessor.
(g) At
all times prior to the termination or expiration of this Lease in accordance
with its terms, Lessee expressly assumes sole and exclusive responsibility for
the determination and implementation of all security measures and systems
necessary or appropriate for the proper protection of the Aircraft (whether on
the ground or in flight) against theft, vandalism, hijacking, destruction,
bombing, terrorism or similar acts directly or indirectly affecting the
Aircraft, any part thereof, or any persons who (whether or not on board the
Aircraft) may sustain any injury or damage as a result of any such acts. Lessee
expressly acknowledges that Lessee’s implementation of such security
measures and systems is a
material obligation of Lessee
under this Lease, and that Lessor shall have absolutely no responsibility
therefor. Lessee shall provide Lessor with such evidence as is reasonably
requested by Lessor regarding Lessee’s compliance with its obligations
under this Section. However, in no event shall Lessor have any duty or
obligation to monitor, review or assess any security measures maintained by
Lessee or Lessee’s compliance with the provisions of this Section. Any
review by Lessor of such evidence as is provided pursuant to Lessor’s
request hereunder shall be for Lessor’s informational purposes only, and
there shall be no inference or implication therefrom that Lessor has reviewed
or approved the adequacy or sufficiency of such recommendations or of the
actual security measures or systems employed by Lessee. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, it is expressly understood and acknowledged that
Lessee, being in sole “operational control” of the Aircraft, is
uniquely in a position to identify and implement those security measures
necessary to comply with this Section and that in doing so, Lessee has not
relied upon, and shall not rely upon, any statement, act, or omission of
Lessor.
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MAINTENANCE: |
(a) Lessee
agrees that the Aircraft will be maintained in compliance with any and all
statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations and standards or directives issued by
any governmental agency applicable to the maintenance thereof, in compliance
with any airworthiness certificate, license or registration relating to the
Aircraft issued by any agency and in a manner that does not modify or impair
any existing warranties on the Aircraft or any part thereof.
(b) Lessee
shall maintain, inspect, service, repair, overhaul and test the Aircraft
(including each engine) in accordance with (i) all maintenance manuals
initially furnished with the Aircraft, including any subsequent amendments or
supplements to such manuals issued by the manufacturer from time to time,
(ii) all mandatory “Service Bulletins” issued,
supplied, or available by or through the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer
of any engine or part with respect to the Aircraft, (iii) all airworthiness
directives applicable to the Aircraft issued by the FAA or similar regulatory
agency having jurisdictional authority, and causing compliance to such
directives to be completed through corrective modification in lieu of operating
manual restrictions (except for temporary operating manual restrictions for a
flight to a repair facility), and (iv) all maintenance requirements set
forth in Annex G hereto. Lessee shall maintain all records, logs and other
materials required by the manufacturer for enforcement of any warranties or by
the FAA. All maintenance procedures required hereby shall be undertaken and
completed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended procedures,
and by properly trained, licensed, and certificated maintenance sources and
maintenance personnel, so as to keep the Aircraft and each engine in as good
operating condition as when delivered to Lessee hereunder, ordinary wear and
tear excepted, and so as to keep the Aircraft in such operating condition as
may be necessary to enable the airworthiness certification of such Aircraft to
be maintained in good standing at all times under the FAA.
(c) Lessee
agrees, at its own cost and expense, to (i) cause the Aircraft and,
subject to Section 8 hereof, each engine thereon to be kept numbered with
the identification in serial number therefor as specified in Annex A;
(ii) prominently display on the Aircraft that N number, and only that N
number, specified in Annex A; and (iii) notify Lessor in writing thirty
(30) days prior to making any change in the configuration (other than
changes in configuration mandated by the FAA), appearance and coloring of the
Aircraft from that in effect at the time the Aircraft is accepted by Lessee
hereunder, and in the event of such change or modification of configuration,
coloring or appearance, to restore, upon request of Lessor, the Aircraft to the
configuration, coloring or appearance in effect on the Commencement Date or, at
Lessor’s option to pay to Lessor an amount equal to the reasonable cost
of such restoration. Lessee will not place the Aircraft in operation or
exercise any control or dominion over the same until such Aircraft marking has
been placed thereon. Lessee will replace promptly any such Aircraft marking
which may be removed, defaced or destroyed. Notwithstanding anything in this
Section 7(c), it is agreed and understood by Lessor and Lessee that
(i) the Aircraft will be re-painted a new color scheme in red, white and
blue during the Term when the Aircraft is brought in for maintenance and
(ii) at such time, the marking on the Aircraft that reads “Air
Logistics” will be changed to read “Air Logistics, a Bristow
company” (the changes contemplated by clause (i) and (ii),
collectively, the “Approved Changes”). Lessor agrees that Lessee
shall not be obligated to restore the Aircraft to its configuration, coloring
and appearance it had in order to merely remove the Approved Changes.
(d) Lessee
shall be entitled from time to time during the Term of this Lease to acquire
and install on the Aircraft at Lessee’s expense, any additional accessory,
device or equipment as Lessee may desire (each such accessory, device or
equipment, an “Addition”), but only so long as such Addition
(i) is ancillary to the Aircraft; (ii) is not required to render the
Aircraft complete for its intended use by Lessee; (iii) does not alter or
impair the originally intended function or use of the Aircraft; and
(iv) can be readily removed without causing material damage. Title to each
Addition which is not removed by Lessee prior to the return of the Aircraft to
Lessor shall vest in Lessor upon such return. Lessee shall repair all damage to
the Aircraft resulting from the installation or removal of any Addition so as
to restore the Aircraft to its condition prior to installation, ordinary wear
and tear excepted.
(e) Any
alteration or modification (each an “Alteration”) with
respect to the Aircraft that may at any time during the Term of this Lease
(i) that are necessary or advisable to comply with Lessee’s
obligations pursuant to this Lease or (ii) may be required to comply with
any applicable law or any governmental rule or regulation shall be made at the
expense of Lessee. Any repair made by Lessee of or upon the Aircraft or
replacement parts, including any replacement engine, installed thereon in the
course of repairing or maintaining the Aircraft, or any Alteration, shall be
deemed an accession, and title thereto shall be immediately vested in Lessor
without cost or expense to Lessor.
(f) Except
as permitted under this Section 7, Lessee will not modify the Aircraft or
affix or remove any accessory to the Aircraft leased hereunder.
(g) The
Aircraft shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the applicable
Part 135 standards.
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LIENS,
SUBLEASE AND ASSIGNMENT: |
(a) LESSEE
SHALL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN OR ENCUMBER THE AIRCRAFT, ANY ENGINE OR ANY
PART THEREOF, LESSOR’S TITLE OR ITS RIGHTS UNDER THIS LEASE, EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PERMITTED HEREIN. LESSEE SHALL NOT, WITHOUT THE PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF LESSOR, SUBLET, CHARTER OR PART WITH POSSESSION OF THE
AIRCRAFT OR ANY ENGINE OR PART THEREOF OR ENTER INTO ANY INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PERMITTED HEREIN. Lessee shall keep the Aircraft, each
engine and any part thereof free and clear of all liens and encumbrances other
than those which result from (i) the respective rights of Lessor and
Lessee as herein provided; (ii) liens arising from the acts of Lessor or
its agents; (iii) liens for taxes not yet due or being reasonably disputed
in good faith so long as Lessee delivers collateral to Lessor in an amount
satisfactory to Lessor and such amount does not result in any imminent risk of
loss or forfeiture of the Aircraft or any civil or criminal liability on
Lessor; and (iv) materialmen’s, mechanics’, workmen’s,
repairmen’s, employees’ or other like liens (whether inchoate or
not) arising in the ordinary course of business of Lessee for sums not yet
delinquent or being contested in good faith (and for the payment of which
adequate assurances in Lessor’s judgment have been provided Lessor).
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, so long as Lessee is not in default hereunder, Lessee may
charter the Aircraft so long as:
(i) The
rights of any users of the Aircraft are subject and subordinate to all terms of
the Lease and all rights of Lessor in and to the Aircraft and under the Lease
including, without limitation, the right of Lessor to inspect and take
possession of the Aircraft from time to time according to the terms and
provisions of the Lease and applicable law;
(ii) Lessee
acknowledges that Lessor shall have none of Lessee’s obligations or
duties with respect to the Aircraft contained in any charter arrangement,
including but not limited to maintenance, repairs, service or insurance;
(iii) Lessee
shall maintain accurate and complete records of all charter operations in which
the Aircraft is used, including without limitation copies of all receipts and
invoices relating to any such operations; and (ii) make any and all such
records fully available to both Lessor and any governmental agency (including,
without limitation any state or federal taxing authority) promptly upon demand
from any such parties;
(iv) Lessee
currently has, and will maintain all required Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”)
licenses to operate a chartering company and to perform all of its obligations
thereunder. Lessee shall at all times maintain a Certificate pursuant to
Part 135 of the FAA Regulations. The Aircraft shall not be used for any
pilot training activities except recurrent training for Lessee’s and
Lessee’s affiliates’ pilots who will be flying the Aircraft. Lessee
shall at all times maintain “operational control,” (as
defined in the FAA Regulations) of the Aircraft;
(v) Any
default by Lessee under the Lease shall constitute a default under the
chartering arrangements;
(vi) Lessee
agrees that the Aircraft shall not be used by any governmental entity, any tax
exempt entity or any person or entity that would cause any Loss of, or
otherwise adversely affect any of, Lessor’s Tax Benefits in the Aircraft;
and
(vii) Lessee
shall not allow the use of the Aircraft in violation of the Lease.
Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, so long as Lessee is not in
default hereunder, Lessee may replace parts and the engines on the Aircraft in
accordance with its customary arrangements with Turbomeca, its other
maintenance service providers or its customary business practices so long as
(i) the replacement part or engine shall be the same make and model and
have the same or better fair market value as the part or engine being replaced
(assuming such engine or part had been maintained in accordance with the
provisions hereof and has not experienced any damage or other casualty event)
(a “Replacement Engine” or a “Replacement Part”, as the
case may be), (ii) with respect to any Replacement Engine, Lessor shall
acquire title to such Replacement Engine which may occur pursuant to a limited
assignment of such customary arrangements with Turbomeca and Lessee shall have
made all appropriate filings to protect Lessor’s interest in the
replacement engines with the FAA, the UCC and if the Cape Town Convention on
International Interests in Mobile Equipment (the “Convention”) and
the Protocol thereto On Matters Specific To Aircraft Equipment (the
“Protocol”) concluded in Cape Town in November 2001 (the
Convention and
the Protocol, each, in the
official English language text thereof, are collectively referred to herein as
the “Cape Town Convention”) comes into force prior to the
effectiveness of such replacement an AC Form 8050-135 FAA Entry Point Filing
Form International Registry for filing with the FAA and the international
registry (the “International Registry”) established pursuant to the
Cape Town Convention and any other form proscribed by the International
Registry or the FAA, and (iii) with respect to any Replacement Part,
Lessor shall have acquired title thereto which will vest automatically upon
installation of such Replacement Part in the Aircraft. Upon the acquisition of
title by Lessor to any such Replacement Engine or Replacement Part, as the case
may be, together with the fulfillment of all Lessee’s obligations set
forth in this paragraph, this Lease shall terminate with respect to any engine
or part being so replaced by such Replacement Engine or Replacement Part, as
the case may be, and title thereto shall be conveyed by Lessor, at the sole
cost and expense of Lessee, to Lessee on an AS IS BASIS, without representation
or warranty of any kind, other than the absence of liens created by or though
Lessor.
(b) Lessor
and any assignee of Lessor may assign this Lease, or any part hereof and/or the
Aircraft to any person or entity so long as (A) (x) such person or entity
or its affiliates is either not operating in the same line of business as
Lessee or (y) such person or entity is a financial institution or an
insurance company having a tangible net worth at least equal to $50,000,000 and
(B) such person or entity is not in material litigation with Lessee as
disclosed in Guarantor’s most recent public filings on Form 10-Q or Form
10-K, as the case may be (and/or any filing on Form 8-K filed after the date of
such most recent Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, as the case may be). Lessee hereby waives
and agrees not to assert against any such assignee, or assignee’s
assigns, any defense, set-off, recoupment claim or counterclaim which Lessee
has or may at any time have against Lessor for any reason whatsoever. Lessee
agrees that if Lessee receives written notice of an assignment from Lessor,
Lessee will pay all rent and all other amounts payable under this Lease to such
assignee or as instructed by Lessor. Lessee also agrees to confirm in writing
receipt of the notice of assignment as may be reasonably requested by assignee
and shall cooperate with Lessor and any such assignee in delivering to such
assignee a certificate of insurance reflecting assignee as loss payee and
additional insured.
9. LOSS, DAMAGE AND
STIPULATED LOSS VALUE: Lessee hereby
assumes and shall bear the entire risk of any loss, theft, confiscation,
expropriation, requisition, damage to, or destruction of, the Aircraft, any
engine or part thereof from any cause whatsoever, including without limitation,
intentional criminal acts and acts of terrorism. If for any reason the
Aircraft, or any engine thereto becomes worn out, lost, stolen, confiscated,
expropriated, requisitioned, hijacked, destroyed, irreparably damaged, or
unusable (“Casualty Occurrences”) Lessee shall promptly and
fully notify Lessor in writing. If, in the opinion of Lessor, a Casualty
Occurrence has occurred which affects only the engine(s) of the Aircraft, then
Lessee, at its own cost and expense, shall replace such engine(s) with a
Replacement Engine(s) or other engine acceptable to Lessor and shall cause
title to such Replacement Engine(s) or engine to be transferred to Lessor for
lease to Lessee under this Lease. Upon transfer of title to Lessor of such
engine(s), such engine(s) shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this
Lease, and Lessee shall execute whatever documents or filings Lessor deems
necessary and appropriate in connection with the substitution of such
replacement engine(s) for the original engine(s). If, in the opinion of Lessor,
a Casualty Occurrence has occurred with respect to the Aircraft in its
entirety, on the Rent Payment Date no later than ninety (90) days after a
Casualty Occurrence (the “Payment Date”), Lessee shall pay
Lessor the sum of (i) the Stipulated Loss Value as set forth in Annex F
calculated as of the Rent Payment Date prior to such Casualty Occurrence; and
(ii) all Rent and other amounts which are due under this Lease as of the
Payment Date. In the event Lessor receives insurance proceeds after receipt in
full of the amounts set forth in clause (i) and (ii) in the foregoing
sentence, Lessor shall refund to Lessee the all amounts received from Lessee in
respect of Stipulated Loss Value up to the amount of the insurance proceeds
Lessor actually received. Upon payment of all sums due hereunder, the Term of
this Lease as to the Aircraft shall terminate and Lessee shall have no further
right to use or operate the Aircraft.
10. INSURANCE: Lessee shall secure and maintain in effect at its own
expense throughout the Term of the Lease insurance against such hazards and for
such risks as Lessor may require; provided that Lessor shall not require
insurance in greater amounts or covering additional risks with respect to the
Aircraft than Lessor generally requires of its lessees to whom it leases
similar aircraft. All such insurance shall be with companies with a AM Best
rating of “A” or better or otherwise satisfactory to Lessor.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Lessee shall maintain
(i) liability insurance covering public liability and property, cargo and
sudden accidental pollution coverage, in amounts not less than fifty million
(50,000,000) United States dollars for any single occurrence;
(ii) all-risk aircraft hull and engine insurance (including, without
limitation, with respect to engine or part thereof while removed from the
aircraft and foreign object damage insurance) in an amount which is not less
than the then Stipulated Loss Value; and (iii) confiscation, expropriation
and war risk, hijacking and allied perils insurance (which insurance shall
include coverage against acts of terrorism and similar criminal acts) in an
amount which is (x) for physical damage, not less than the then Stipulated
Loss Value and (y) for liability coverage, not less than fifty million (50,000,000)
United States dollars for any single occurrence. All insurance shall:
(1) name Lessor as owner of the Aircraft and as loss payee and additional
insured (without responsibility for premiums), (2) provide that any
cancellation or substantial change in coverage shall not be effective as to the
Lessor for thirty (30) days (ten (10) days in the event of
non-payment of premiums, seven (7) days in the case of war risks coverage)
after receipt by Lessor of written notice from the insurer of such cancellation
or change, (3) insure Lessor’s interest regardless of any breach of
warranty or other act or omission of Lessee, (4) include a
severability of interest
clause providing that such policy shall operate in the same manner as if there
were a separate policy covering each insured, (5) waive any right of
set-off against Lessee or Lessor, and any rights of subrogation against Lessor,
and (6) be primary and not be subject to any offset by any other insurance
carried by Lessor or Lessee. Lessee hereby appoints Lessor as Lessee’s
attorney-in-fact to make proof of loss and claim for and to receive payment of
and to execute or endorse all documents, checks or drafts in connection with
all policies of insurance in respect of the Aircraft. Lessor shall not act as
Lessees attorney-in-fact until the occurrence and during a continuation of an
Event of Default or any incipient default under Sections 12(a)(i),
(vii) or (viii). Lessee shall pay any reasonable expenses of Lessor in
adjusting or collecting insurance proceeds. Lessor shall pay proceeds of any
insurance claim in an amount not exceeding five hundred thousand ($500,000) _
United States dollars to Lessee and Lessee shall, as promptly as practicable,
repair the Aircraft or repair or replace any part thereof. Lessor may, at its
option, apply proceeds of insurance with respect to claims in excess of five
hundred thousand ($500,000) United States dollars , in whole or in part, to
(A) repair the Aircraft, or repair or replace any part thereof, or
(B) satisfy any obligation of Lessee to Lessor due under this Lease.
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11. |
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RETURN OF
AIRCRAFT: |
(a) At
expiration or termination of this Lease (the “Return Date”),
Lessee shall return the Aircraft to Lessor, at a location within the Gulf Coast
region of the United States as Lessor shall direct. Lessee shall also return
all logs, loose equipment, manuals and data associated with the Aircraft,
including without limitation, inspection, modification and overhaul records
required to be maintained with respect to the Aircraft under this Lease or
under the applicable rules and regulations of the FAA or the
manufacturer’s recommended maintenance program, along with a currently
effective FAA airworthiness certificate. Lessee shall, upon request, assign to
Lessor its rights under any manufacturer’s maintenance service contract
or extended warranty for the Aircraft, any engine or part thereof. The Aircraft
shall be returned in the condition in which the Aircraft is required to be
maintained pursuant to Section 7, but with all logos or other identifying
marks of Lessee removed. Additionally, Lessee shall ensure that the Aircraft
complies with all requirements and conditions set forth on Annex G hereto.
Lessee shall pay for all costs to comply with this Section 11(a).
(b) Lessor
shall arrange for the inspection of the Aircraft on the Return Date to
determine if the Aircraft has been maintained and returned in accordance with
the provisions of this Lease. Lessee shall be responsible for the cost of such
inspection and shall pay Lessor such amount as additional Rent within ten
(10) days of demand. If the results of such inspection indicate that the
Aircraft, any engine thereto or part thereof, has not been maintained or
returned in accordance with the provisions of this Lease, Lessee shall pay to
Lessor within ten (10) days of demand, as liquidated damages, the
estimated cost (“Estimated Cost”) of servicing or repairing
the Aircraft, engine or part. The Estimated Cost shall be determined by Lessor
by obtaining two quotes for such service or repair work, with one quote
selected by Lessee reasonably acceptable to Lessor and one quote selected by
Lessor reasonably acceptable to Lessee and taking their average. Lessee shall
bear the cost, if any, incurred by Lessor in obtaining such quotes.
(c) If
Lessee fails to return the Aircraft on the Return Date, Lessor shall be
entitled to damages equal to the higher of (i) the Rent for the Aircraft,
pro-rated on a per diem basis, for each day the Aircraft is retained beyond the
Return Date; or (ii) the daily fair market rental for the Aircraft at the
Return Date. Such damages for retention of the Aircraft after the Return Date
shall not be interpreted as an extension or reinstatement of the Term.
(d) All
of Lessor’s rights contained in this Section shall survive the expiration
or other termination of this Lease.
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12. |
|
EVENTS OF
DEFAULT AND REMEDIES: |
(a) Lessee
shall be in default under this Lease and each of the other Documents (as that
term is defined in Section 16 below) upon the occurrence of any of the
following “Events of Default”: (i) Lessee breaches its
obligation to pay Rent or any other sum when due and fails to cure the breach
within ten (10) days of written invoice from Lessor; (ii) Lessee breaches
any of its insurance obligations under Section 10; (iii) Lessee
breaches any of its other obligations in any material respect and fails to cure
that breach within thirty (30) days after written notice from Lessor to
Lessee; (iv) any representation or warranty made by Lessee in connection
with this Lease or Bill of Sale, or Guarantor in connection with the Guaranty
agreement shall be false or misleading in any material respect; (v) Lessee
or Guarantor or other obligor for any of the obligations hereunder
(collectively “Guarantor”), dissolves, terminates its
existence, becomes insolvent or ceases to do business as a going concern;
(vi) the Aircraft or any other property of Lessee is illegally used,
confiscated, sequestered, seized or levied upon; (vii) a receiver is appointed
for all or of any part of the property of Lessee or any Guarantor, or Lessee or
any Guarantor makes any assignment for the benefit of creditors; (viii) a
petition is filed by or against Lessee or any Guarantor under any bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws and in the event of an involuntary petition, the
petition is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of the filing date;
(ix) the occurrence of any “Event of Default” under any
Aircraft Lease Agreement dated as of even date herewith between Lessor and
Lessee (the “Related Leases”); (x) any Guarantor revokes or
attempts to revoke its
guaranty or fails to observe
or perform any covenant, condition or agreement to be performed under any
guaranty or other related document to which it is a party, (xi) Lessee is
declared in default under any contract or obligation requiring the payment of
money in a principal amount outstanding greater than $10,000,000.00;
(xii) there is any dissolution, or termination of existence of the Lessee
or Guarantor, or change in controlling ownership of Lessee (meaning Guarantor
fails to own directly or indirectly more than 50% of the voting equity of the
Lessee) or any Guarantor Change of Control (as defined in Annex H herein) has
occurred or (xiii) there is any merger or consolidation of Guarantor or
Lessee in violation of this Lease.
(b) Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default and so long as the same shall be
continuing, Lessor may, at its option, at any time thereafter, exercise one or
more of the following remedies, as Lessor in its sole discretion shall lawfully
elect: (i) demand that Lessee immediately pay as liquidated damages, for
loss of a bargain and not as a penalty, an amount equal to (x) the
Stipulated Loss Value of the Aircraft, computed as of the Basic Term Rent Date
prior to such demand together with (y) all Rent and other amounts due and
payable for all periods up to and including the Basic Term Rent Date following
such demand; (ii) demand that Lessee pay all amounts due for failure to
maintain or return the Aircraft as provided herein and cause Lessee to assign
to Lessor Lessee’s rights under any manufacturer’s service program
contract or any extended warranty contract in force for the Aircraft;
(iii) proceed by appropriate court action, either at law or in equity, to
enforce the performance by Lessee of the applicable covenants of this Lease or
to recover damages for breach hereof; (iv) by notice in writing terminate
this Lease, whereupon all rights of Lessee to use of the Aircraft or any part
thereof shall absolutely cease and terminate, and Lessee shall immediately
return the Aircraft in accordance with Section 11, but Lessee shall remain
liable as provided in Section 11; (v) request Lessee to return the
Aircraft to a designated location in accordance with Section 11;
(vi) peacefully enter the premises where the Aircraft may be and take
possession of the Aircraft; (vii) sell or otherwise dispose of the
Aircraft at private or public sale, in bulk or in parcels, with or without
notice, and without having the Aircraft present at the place of sale;
(viii) lease or keep idle all or part of the Aircraft; (ix) use
Lessee’s premises for storage pending lease or sale or for holding a sale
without liability for rent or costs for five (5) months; (x) collect
from Lessee all actual out-of-pocket costs, charges and expenses, including
reasonable legal fees and disbursements, incurred by Lessor by reason of the
occurrence of any Event of Default or the exercise of Lessor’s remedies
with respect thereto; (xi) draw on any Acceptable Letter of Credit,
foreclose on any Additional Collateral or Security Deposit Pledge (as each such
term is defined in the Additional Collateral Agreement, dated as of even date
herewith, between Lessor and Lessee); and/or (xii) declare any Event of
Default under the terms of this Lease to be a default under the Related Leases
or any other agreement for borrowed money between Lessor (and/or General
Electric Capital Corporation) on the one hand, and Lessee or Guarantor (or any
of their affiliates or parent entities) on the other hand.
(c) Lessor
shall apply any proceeds of sale, lease or other disposition of the Aircraft or
any other collateral, letter of credit or deposit, if any, and shall have the
right to apply same in the following order of priorities: (i) to pay all
of Lessor’s costs, charges and expenses incurred in enforcing its rights
under this Lease or in taking, removing, holding, repairing, selling, leasing
or otherwise disposing of the Aircraft; then, (ii) to the extent not
previously paid by Lessee, to pay Lessor all sums due from Lessee under this
Lease or any other Related Lease in any priority as Lessor determines; then
(iii) to reimburse to Lessee any sums previously paid by Lessee
representing Stipulated Loss Value as liquidated damages pursuant to
Section 12(b)(i)(x); and (iv) any surplus shall be retained by Lessor.
Lessee shall immediately pay on demand any deficiency in (i) and
(ii) of the immediately preceding sentence. Lessor’s obligation
hereunder shall survive any termination of this Lease.
(d) The
foregoing remedies are cumulative, and any or all thereof may be exercised
instead of or in addition to each other or any remedies at law, in equity, or
under statute. Waiver of any Event of Default shall not be a waiver of any
other or subsequent Event of Default.
(e) Upon
the indefeasible payment in full of all amounts owed to Lessor after an Event
of Default (including, without limitation, all accrued Rent, actual
out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees), indemnity
payments and any other sums due and owing hereunder) and, if so elected by
Lessor, delivery of the Aircraft meeting the requirements of Section 11
(provided that the proceeds thereof shall be applied as set forth in
Section 12(c)), this Lease shall terminate and neither Lessor nor Lessee
shall have no further obligations under the Lease, except with respect to
obligations which by the terms of this Lease survive the termination hereof.
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13. |
|
NET LEASE: |
This
Lease is a net lease. The Lessor shall have no obligation, liability or
responsibility to the Lessee or any other person with respect to operation,
maintenance, repairs, alterations, modifications, correction of faults or
defects (whether or not required by applicable law) or insurance with respect
to the Aircraft, all of which matters shall be, as between Lessor and Lessee,
the sole responsibility of Lessee, regardless of upon whom such
responsibilities may fall under applicable law or otherwise, and the Rent
payable hereunder has been set in reliance upon the Lessee’s sole
responsibility for all such matters. The Lessee acknowledges and agrees that
its obligations to pay Rent and all other amounts due and owing in accordance
with the terms hereof shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
released, discharged, waived, reduced, set-off or affected
by any circumstance
whatsoever. Lessor and Lessee agree that the foregoing shall not operate as a
waiver of any claim for breach Lessee may have against Lessor.
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14. |
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INDEMNIFICATION: |
(a) Lessee
hereby agrees to indemnify (on an after tax basis) Lessor and any other entity
which has an ownership interest in, is owned by or is under common ownership
with, Lessor, and the respective or collective officers, directors, agents,
employees, successors and assigns of each (each, an “Indemnified
Party”) from and against any and all losses, damages, penalties,
injuries, claims, demands, actions and suits, (collectively “Claims”)
whether in law or equity, or in contract, tort, or otherwise, including
reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements and other costs of
investigation or defense, including those incurred upon any appeal arising out
of or relating to the Aircraft or this Lease and shall include, but is not
limited to, Lessor’s strict liability in tort and Claims that may be
imposed on, incurred by or asserted against an Indemnified Party in any way
arising out of (i) the selection, manufacture, purchase, acceptance or
rejection of the Aircraft, the ownership of the Aircraft during the term of
this Lease, and the delivery, lease, possession, maintenance, uses, condition,
return or operation of the Aircraft (including, without limitation, latent and
other defects, whether or not discoverable by Lessor, any Indemnified Party or
Lessee and any claim for patent, trademark or copyright infringement or
environmental damage); (ii) any breach of Lessee’s obligations under
the Lease or the failure by Lessee to comply with any term, provision or
covenant contained in this Lease or any other agreement executed by Lessee in
connection with this Lease or the Aircraft or with any applicable law, rule or
regulation with respect to the Aircraft, or the nonconformity of the Aircraft
or its operation with any applicable law; (iii) vandalism, hijacking,
destruction, bombing, terrorism or similar acts directly or indirectly
affecting the Aircraft, any part thereof, or any persons who (whether or not on
board the Aircraft) may sustain any injury or damage as a result of any such
acts, regardless of whether or not Lessee was at the time of such use,
complying with the security requirements of the Lease or applicable law;
(iv) any actions brought against any Indemnified Party that arise out of
Lessee’s actions (or actions of Lessee’s agents); or (v) any
Indemnified Party’s reliance on any representation or warranty made or
deemed made by Lessee or Guarantor (or any of their officers) under or in
connection with this Lease or any other Document or any report or other
information delivered by Lessee or Guarantor pursuant hereto which shall have
been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made or delivered;
provided, that Lessee shall not be obligated to pay and shall have no indemnity
liability for any Claims (x) imposed on or against an Indemnified Party to
the extent that such Claims are caused by the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of such Indemnified Party or (y) to the extent imposed with
respect to any Claim solely based on events occurring after the earlier of
(A) the expiration or other termination of the Term in circumstances not
requiring the return of the Aircraft and payment in full of all amounts due
from Lessee under this Lease and any other Document and (B) the
satisfaction by Lessee of all its obligations under Section 11 of the
Lease and payment in full of all amounts due from Lessee under this Lease and
any Document . Lessee shall pay on demand to each Indemnified Party any and all
amounts necessary to indemnify such Indemnified Party from and against any of
the foregoing. Lessee shall, upon request, defend any actions based on, or
arising out of, any of the foregoing.
(b) Lessee
and Lessor agree that, as of the Commencement Date, (i) is the intent of
the parties that Lessor is the owner of the Aircraft for state law and federal
income tax purposes, (ii) Lessor intends to take depreciation deductions
with respect to the Aircraft in accordance with Section 168 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as set forth on Annex B (“Tax
Benefits”), (iii) it is the intent of the parties that the
Aircraft leased under the Lease shall qualify for all tax deductions in the
hands of Lessor, and (iv) at no time during the Term of this Lease will
Lessee take or omit to take, nor will it permit any sublessee or assignee to
take or omit to take, any action (whether or not such act or omission is
otherwise permitted by Lessor unless expressly permitted by this Lease), which
will result in the disqualification of the Aircraft for, or recapture of, all
or any portion of such Tax Benefits.
(c) If
as a result of a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of the
Lessee contained in this Lease (i) independent tax counsel selected by
Lessor and reasonably acceptable to Lessee shall determine that Lessor is not
entitled to claim on its Federal income tax return all or any portion of the
Tax Benefits with respect to the Aircraft, or (ii) any Tax Benefit claimed
on the Federal income tax return of Lessor is disallowed or adjusted by the
Internal Revenue Service, or (iii) any Tax Benefit is recalculated or
recaptured (any determination, disallowance, adjustment, recalculation or
recapture being a “Loss”), then Lessee shall pay to Lessor,
as an indemnity and as additional rent, an amount that shall, in the reasonable
opinion of Lessor, cause Lessor’s after-tax economic yields and cash
flows to equal the Net Economic Return that would have been realized by Lessor
if such Loss had not occurred. Such amount shall be payable within thirty
(30) days of written demand accompanied by a statement describing in
reasonable detail such Loss and the computation of such amount. The economic
yields and cash flows shall be computed on the same assumptions, including tax
rates as were used by Lessor in originally evaluating the transaction (“Net
Economic Return”). If an adjustment has been made under
Section 3 then the Effective Rate used in the next preceding adjustment
shall be substituted.
(d) Lessee
hereby further represents, warrants and covenants that all amounts includible
in the gross income of Lessor with respect to the Aircraft, and all deductions
or credits allowable to Lessor with respect to the Aircraft, will be treated as
derived from or allocable to sources
within the United States in
each and every year taxable year of Lessor throughout the entire term of this
Lease. If as a result of any breach of the representation, warranty and
covenant contained in the immediately preceding sentence, any item of income,
credit or deduction with respect to the Aircraft shall not be treated as
derived from or allocable to, sources within the United States for any taxable
year of Lessor (any such event hereinafter referred to as a “Foreign
Loss”), then Lessee shall pay to Lessor as an indemnity, on the next
succeeding rental payment date, or in any event within 30 days after
written demand to Lessee by Lessor, such amount as, after deduction of all
taxes required to be paid by Lessor in respect of the receipt of such amounts
under the laws of any federal, state or local government or taxing authority of
the United States, shall equal the sum of: (i) the excess of (x) the
foreign tax credits which Lessor would have been entitled to for such year had
no such Foreign Loss occurred over (y) the foreign tax credits to which
Lessor was limited as a result of such Foreign Loss and (ii) the amount of
any interest, penalties or additions to tax payable as a result of such Foreign
Loss.
(e) Lessee
shall not be obligated to pay any sums required in Section 14 in the event
the cause of the Loss results from one or more of the following events:
(1) a failure of Lessor to timely claim accelerated cost recovery (or
depreciation) deductions for any Aircraft in Lessor’s tax return, other
than a failure resulting from Lessor’s determination, based on opinion of
its counsel or otherwise, that no reasonable basis exists for claiming
accelerated cost recovery (or depreciation) deductions, (2) a failure of
Lessor to have sufficient gross income to benefit from accelerated cost
recovery (or depreciation) deductions, or (3) a change in the tax law
applicable to accelerated cost receovery (or depreciation) deductions disallows
deductions to which Lessor would otherwise be entitled unless such loss is
caused by an act or omission of Lessee. Lessor agrees to promptly notify Lessee
of any claim made by any federal or state tax authority against Lessor with
respect to the disallowance of such accelerated cost recovery (or depreciation)
deductions, together with sufficient details (to the extent the information is
available to Lessor) of the nature of, or reasons for, the claim by such tax
authority and Lessor’s position with respect thereto (including a copy of
any correspondence from the applicable taxing authority). All references to
Lessor in this Section 14 include Lessor and the consolidated taxpayer
group of which Lessor is a member.
(f) All
of Lessor’s rights, privileges and indemnities contained in this
Section 14 shall survive the expiration or other termination of this
Lease. The rights, privileges and indemnities contained herein are expressly
made for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by Lessor, its successors and
assigns.
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15. |
|
DISCLAIMER: |
LESSEE
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS SELECTED THE AIRCRAFT WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE FROM
LESSOR, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES AND THAT LESSOR IS LEASING THE AIRCRAFT IN AN
“AS IS” CONDITION. LESSOR DOES NOT MAKE, HAS NOT MADE, NOR SHALL BE
DEEMED TO MAKE OR HAVE MADE, ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, WITH RESPECT TO THE AIRCRAFT LEASED UNDER THIS LEASE
OR ANY COMPONENT THEREOF, OR ANY ENGINE INSTALLED THEREON, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY AS TO CONDITION, AIRWORTHINESS, DESIGN, COMPLIANCE
WITH SPECIFICATIONS, QUALITY OF MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, USE OR OPERATION, SAFETY, PATENT, TRADEMARK OR
COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT, OR TITLE. All such risks, as between Lessor and Lessee,
are to be borne by Lessee. Without limiting the foregoing, Lessor shall have no
responsibility or liability to Lessee or any other person with respect to any
of the following: (i) any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to
be caused directly or indirectly by the Aircraft, any inadequacy thereof, any
deficiency or defect (latent or otherwise) of the Aircraft, or any other
circumstance in connection with the Aircraft; (ii) the use, operation or
performance of the Aircraft or any risks relating to it; (iii) any
interruption of service, loss of business or anticipated profits or consequential
damages; or (iv) the delivery, operation, servicing, maintenance, repair,
improvement or replacement of the Aircraft. If, and so long as, no Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing under this Lease, Lessee shall be, and
hereby is, authorized during the Term of this Lease to assert and enforce, at
Lessee’s sole cost and expense, in the name of and for the account of
Lessor and/or Lessee, as their interests may appear, whatever claims and rights
Lessor may have against any Supplier of the Aircraft.
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16. |
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF LESSEE: |
A. Lessee hereby represents
and warrants to Lessor that on the date of this Lease :
(a) Lessee
has adequate limited liability company power and capacity to enter into, and
perform under, this Lease and all related documents (together, the “Documents”)
and is duly qualified to do business wherever necessary to carry on its present
business and operations, including the jurisdiction(s) where the Aircraft has
its primary hangar location.
(b) The
Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Lessee and
constitute valid, legal and binding agreements, enforceable in accordance with
their terms, except to the extent that the enforcement of remedies may be
limited under applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or creditors’ rights
generally laws and principles of equity.
(c) No
approval, consent or withholding of objections is required from any
governmental authority or entity with respect to the entry into or performance
by Lessee of the Documents except such as have already been obtained.
(d) The
entry into and performance by Lessee of the Documents will not:
(i) violate any judgment, order, law or regulation applicable to Lessee or
any provision of Lessee’s Certificate of Formation or Operating
Agreement; or (ii) result in any breach of, constitute a default under or
result in the creation of any lien, charge, security interest or other
encumbrance upon any Aircraft pursuant to any indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, bank loan or credit agreement (other than this Lease) to which Lessee is
a party.
(e) There
are no suits or proceedings pending or threatened in court or before any
commission, board or other administrative agency against or affecting Lessee,
which will have a material adverse effect on the ability of Lessee to fulfill
its obligations under this Lease.
(f) The
financial statements contained in Guarantor’s report on Form 10-K for
fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 delivered to Lessor has been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
and since March 31, 2005, there has been no material adverse change.
B. Lessee hereby:
(a) Represents
and warrants that its exact legal name is as set forth in the first sentence of
this Lease and Lessee is and will be at all times validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of its incorporation (specified in the
first sentence of this Lease) and Lessee is and will continue to be a “Citizen
of the United States” within the meaning of Section 40102(15) of
the FAA. Lessee shall not consolidate, reorganize or merge with any other
corporation or entity (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guarantor) or
sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property to any
corporation or entity (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guarantor)
during the Term of this Lease.
(b) Represents
and warrants that its the chief executive office or chief place of business (as
either of such terms is used in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code)
of Lessee is located at the address set forth above, and Lessee agrees to give
Lessor prior written notice of any relocation of said chief executive office or
chief place of business from its present location.
(c) Agrees
that a copy of this Lease, and a current and valid AC Form 8050-l will be kept
on the Aircraft at all times during the Term of this Lease.
(d) Represents
and warrants that Lessee has selected the Aircraft, manufacturer and vendor thereof,
and all maintenance facilities required hereby.
(e) Covenants
that it shall maintain all logs, books and records (including any computerized
maintenance records) pertaining to the Aircraft and engines and their
maintenance during the Term in accordance with FAA rules and regulations.
(f) Represents
and warrants that throughout the Term of this Lease, Lessee will not use or
operate and will not permit the Aircraft to be used or operated
“predominately” outside the United States as that phrase is used in
Section 168(g)(1)(A) of the Code.
(g) Represents
that it is and covenants that it will remain in material compliance with all
laws and regulations applicable to it including, without limitation,
(i) ensuring that no person who owns a controlling interest in or
otherwise controls Lessee is or shall be (Y) listed on the Specially
Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List maintained by the Office of
Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), Department of the Treasury,
and/or any other similar lists maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing
statute, Executive Order or regulation or (Z) a person designated under
Section 1(b), (c) or (d) of Executive Order No. 13224
(September 23, 2001), any related enabling legislation or any other
similar Executive Orders, and (ii) compliance with all applicable Bank
Secrecy Act (“BSA”) laws, regulations and government
guidance on BSA compliance and on the prevention and detection of money
laundering violations.
(h) Covenants
that it shall duly qualify to do business in any jurisdiction(s) where the
Aircraft shall have its primary hangar location.
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17. |
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EARLY
TERMINATION: |
(a) On
or after the First Termination Date (specified in Annex B), Lessee may, so long
as no Event of Default or any event or occurrence which with the giving of
notice or passage of time or both would result in an Event of Default exists
and continues under this Lease, terminate this Lease as of a Rent Payment Date
(“Termination Date”). Lessee must give Lessor at least ninety
(90) days prior written notice of the termination.
(b) Lessee
shall, and Lessor may, solicit cash bids for the Aircraft on an AS IS, WHERE IS
basis without recourse to or warranty from Lessor, express or implied (other
than the absence of any liens created by or through Lessor) (“AS IS
BASIS”). Prior to the Termination Date, Lessee shall,
(i) certify to Lessor any bids received by Lessee; and (ii) pay to
Lessor, (a) the Termination Value (calculated as of the Termination Date)
for the Aircraft; and (b) all Rent and other sums due and unpaid as of the
Termination Date. Neither Lessee nor its agents shall be permitted to bid.
(c) If
all amounts due hereunder have been paid on the Termination Date, Lessor shall
(i) sell the Aircraft on an AS IS BASIS for cash to the highest bidder;
and (ii) refund the proceeds of such sale (net of any related expenses) to
Lessee up to the amount of the Termination Value paid by Lessee. If such sale
is not consummated, no termination shall occur and Lessor shall refund the
Termination Value (less any expenses incurred by Lessor) to Lessee.
(d) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Lessor may elect by written notice, at any time prior to the
Termination Date, not to sell the Aircraft. In that event, on the Termination
Date Lessee shall: (i) return the Aircraft (in accordance with
Section 11); and (ii) pay to Lessor all amounts required
(x) under Section 17(b)(ii)(a) less the amount of the highest bid
certified by Lessee to Lessor and (y) under Section 17(b)(ii)(b).
(e) If
Lessor exercises its rights to increase Lessee’s rental obligations under
Section 3(a), Lessee may, upon ninety (90) days notice and so long as
no default exists under the this Lease, terminate this Lease as of any Rent
Payment Date
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18. |
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EARLY PURCHASE
OPTION: |
(a) On
the Early Purchase Option Date (specified in Annex B), Lessee may, so long as
no Event of Default or any event or occurrence which with the giving of notice
or passage of time or both would result in an Event of Default exists hereunder
and this Lease has not been earlier terminated, purchase the Aircraft on an AS
IS BASIS for cash equal to the Early Purchase Option Price (specified on Annex
B), plus all applicable sales taxes. Lessee must give Lessor at least thirty
(30) days, but not more than ninety (90) days, prior written notice
of the purchase. Lessor and Lessee agree that the Option Price is a reasonable
prediction of the price that a willing buyer (who is neither a lessee in
possession or a used aircraft dealer) would pay for the Aircraft on the Early
Purchase Option Date in an arm’s length transaction to a willing seller
under no compulsion to sell.
(b) If
Lessee has elected to purchase the Aircraft, then on the Early Purchase Option
Date Lessee shall pay to Lessor the Early Purchase Option Price (plus all
applicable sales taxes) together with any Rent and other sums due and unpaid on
the Early Purchase Option Date. Upon receipt of indefeasible payment in full of
such amounts by Lessor, Lessor shall convey all of its right, title and
interest in and to the Aircraft to Lessee on an AS IS BASIS without
representation or warranties of any kind, other than the absence of liens
created by or through Lessor.
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19. |
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END OF LEASE
PURCHASE OPTION: |
(a) On
the Expiration Date (specified in Annex B), Lessee may, so long as no Event of
Default or any event or occurrence which with the giving of notice or passage
of time or both would result in an Event of Default exists hereunder and this
Lease has not been earlier terminated, purchase the Aircraft on an AS IS BASIS
for cash equal to its then Fair Market Value (plus all applicable sales taxes
together with any Rent and other sums due and unpaid on the Expiration Date).
Upon receipt of indefeasible payment in full of such amounts by Lessor, Lessor
shall convey all of its right, title and interest in and to the Aircraft to
lessee on an AS IS BASIS without representation or warranties of any kind,
other than the absence of liens created by or through Lessor. Lessee must give
Lessor at least ninety (90) days, but not more than one hundred eighty
(180) days, prior written notice of its intent to purchase.
(b) “Fair
Market Value” shall mean the price which a willing buyer (who is
neither a lessee in possession nor a used equipment dealer) would pay for the
Aircraft in an arm’s-length transaction to a willing seller under no
compulsion to sell. In determining the Fair Market Value: (i) the Aircraft
shall be assumed to be in the condition in which it is required to be maintained
and returned under this Lease, (ii) any installed additions to the
Aircraft shall be valued on an installed basis; and (iii) costs of removal
of the Aircraft from the current location shall not be a deduction from the
value of the Aircraft. If Lessor and Lessee are unable to agree on the Fair
Market Value at least sixty (60) days before Lease expiration, Lessor
shall appoint an independent appraiser (reasonably acceptable to Lessee) to
determine Fair Market Value. The independent appraisers determination shall be
final, binding and conclusive. Lessee shall bear all costs associated with any
such appraisal.
(c) Lessee
shall be deemed to have waived this purchase option unless it provides Lessor
with written notice of its irrevocable election to exercise the option within
fifteen (15) days after the Fair Market Value is told to Lessee.
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20. |
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MISCELLANEOUS: |
(a) LESSEE
AND LESSOR HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY
CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS LEASE, ANY OF THE
RELATED DOCUMENTS, ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN LESSEE AND LESSOR RELATING TO THE
SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND/OR THE
RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BEING ESTABLISHED BETWEEN LESSEE AND LESSOR. THE SCOPE OF THIS
WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE
FILED IN ANY COURT. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE. THIS WAIVER MAY NOT BE MODIFIED
EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THE WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS LEASE, ANY RELATED
DOCUMENTS, OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THIS TRANSACTION
. THIS LEASE MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.
(b) The
Aircraft shall remain Lessor’s property unless Lessee purchases the
Aircraft from Lessor, and until such time Lessee shall only have the right to
use the Aircraft as a lessee. Any cancellation or termination by Lessor of this
Lease, pursuant to the provisions of this Lease, shall not release Lessee from
any then outstanding obligations to Lessor hereunder (unless otherwise
expressly stated herein).
(c) Time
is of the essence of this Lease. Lessee agrees, upon Lessor’s request, to
execute, or otherwise authenticate, any document, record or instrument
necessary or expedient for filing, recording or perfecting the interest of
Lessor or to carry out the intent of this Agreement. In addition, Lessee hereby
authorizes Lessor to file a financing statement and amendments thereto
describing the Aircraft and any engines, attachments, appurtenances and parts
relating thereto and containing any other information required by the
applicable Uniform Commercial Code. At the request of Lessor following any
expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee shall execute and deliver to
Lessor, for filing with the FAA, such documents as Lessor shall require to
evidence and confirm the expiration or termination of this Lease and the
release of the Aircraft from the terms and conditions hereof, and if Lessee fails
for any reason to execute and deliver such documents to Lessor, Lessee hereby
irrevocably authorizes Lessor to sign Lessee’s name to such documents and
file such documents with the FAA. Lessee hereby ratifies its prior
authorization for Lessor to file financing statements and amendments thereto
describing the Aircraft and containing any other information required by any
applicable law (including without limitation the Uniform Commercial Code) if
filed prior to the date hereof. All notices required to be given hereunder
shall be deemed adequately given if delivered in hand or sent by registered or
certified mail to the addressee at its address stated herein, or at such other
place as such addressee may have designated in writing. This Lease together with
the Annexes hereto constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof, and all Annexes referenced herein are
incorporated herein by reference. NO VARIATION OR MODIFICATION OF THIS LEASE OR
ANY WAIVER OF ANY OF ITS PROVISIONS OR CONDITIONS, SHALL BE VALID UNLESS IN
WRITING AND SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF EACH PARTY TO THIS LEASE.
(d) If
Lessee does not comply with any provision of this Agreement, Lessor shall have
the right, but shall not be obligated, to effect such compliance, in whole or
in part. All reasonable amounts spent and obligations incurred or assumed by
Lessor in effecting such compliance shall constitute additional Rent due to
Lessor. Lessee shall pay the additional Rent within ten days after the date
Lessor sends an invoice to Lessee requesting payment. Lessor’s effecting
such compliance shall not be a waiver of any Event of Default.
(e) Any
Rent or other amount not paid to Lessor when due shall bear interest from the
due date until paid, at the lesser of twelve percent (12%) per annum or the
maximum rate allowed by law. Any provisions in this Lease which are in conflict
with any statute, law or applicable rule shall be deemed omitted, modified or
altered to conform thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
in this Lease, in no event shall this Lease require the payment or permit the
collection of amounts in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law.
(f) THIS LEASE AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT (WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES OF SUCH STATE), INCLUDING ALL MATTERS OF CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND PERFORMANCE, REGARDLESS OF THE LOCATION OF






