Summary of Ireland’s Key Economic Attractions
- 12.5% corporate tax and Government commitment to sustain this rate
- 0% VAT on international aircraft leasing
- Availability of over 72 double taxation agreements
- On-shore location (member of the EU and OECD)
- Tax depreciation (Capital Allowances) for the cost of equipment and plant & machinery (which includes aircraft and aircraft engines) over 8 years
- Extensive range of exemptions provided for from withholding tax on interest and dividend payments and no withholding taxes on lease rentals
- No stamp duty on instruments transferring aircraft
- Irish Economic Recovery – increasing attractiveness of Ireland as a location for FDI
Industry News
In 2014, AerCap acquired ILFC from AIG. AerCap paid AIG $3 billion in cash as well as a significant ownership position in AerCap's ordinary share capital. The acquisition brings AerCap’s fleet to over 1,300 aircraft, with a further 400 on order, making it the largest independent lessor in the world, and the second largest lessor in the world after GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). AerCap chose Ireland as its global operations headquarters and now has two offices (Shannon & Dublin) with over 120 staff in Ireland.
In 2012, a consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) established its global aviation business headquarters in Ireland (SMBC Aviation Capital) via the acquisition of RBS Aviation in a deal worth more than $7 billion.