NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) assigns preliminary ratings to three series of notes issued by Willis Engine Structured Trust VI (“WEST VI), an aircraft engine ABS transaction. WEST VI is Willis Lease Finance Corporation’s securitization and the fourth rated by KBRA. KBRA notes that Willis will be retaining the equity in WEST VI and has also retained the equity in its previous securitizations.
Proceeds from the Notes will be used to acquire 29 aircraft engines and one airframe, collectively 30 assets (the “Portfolio”). 27 assets are on lease to 10 lessees located in 8 jurisdictions with three aircraft engines (10.5% by value) off-lease. As of March 31, 2021, the Portfolio had a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 5.0 years excluding the three off-lease assets, or 4.4 years, excluding the off-lease assets, leases with a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) but not executed, and signed leases that have not been delivered. The one airframe (A319-100), representing 1.0% of the Portfolio, is leased to easyJet Airlines based in the United Kingdom with a 2006 manufacture date and lease end dates in 2022.
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Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above.
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Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.
