Cleon Catsambis successful in obtaining US$9 million summary judgment in aviation lease dispute

Cleon Catsambis, led by Thomas Munby KC, has secured summary judgment in excess of US$ 9 million in an aircraft engine lease dispute against low-cost India-based carrier, SpiceJet: Sunbird France 02 SAS v SpiceJet Limited [2026] EWHC 831 (Comm).

SpiceJet fell behind in its rent and maintenance accrual payments in respect of three CFM56 engines leased from Sunbird France. Sean O’Sullivan KC (sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court) found that SpiceJet chose not to participate in the proceedings despite having actual notice of them. Although Sunbird France was entitled to a judgment in default, it was given permission to apply for summary judgment and succeeded on the application. This was significant as a ruling on the merits is more readily enforceable in India under the local civil procedure rules, improving the lessor’s ability to recover against SpiceJet’s assets.

Sunbird France’s claims in respect of additional rent, repair costs, lost income and expenses incurred in repossessing and storing the engines are proceeding to full trial.

The judgment can be found here.

Cleon was instructed by Bree Taylor and Reece Davison of Alius Law, working in partnership with Indian-based lawyers Tuli & Co.

Cleon has previously obtained another summary judgment order against SpiceJet in an unrelated matter for US$10+ million (as sole Counsel): https://3vb.com/cleon-catsambis-successful-in-obtaining-us10m-summary-judgment-in-aircraft-lease/