Irish aircraft management firm ACASS Ireland (SON, Shannon) is suing two businessmen over a disputed agreement involving a Cessna 560 XLS Plus.
As reported by the Irish Examiner, Acass Ireland Ltd is claiming EUR1.19 million euros (USD1.24 million) from Amborella Ltd, whose beneficial owners are Tommy Kelly and Barry English. A tech entrepreneur, Tommy Kelly is one of Ireland's richest men, while English builds data centres, among other things. Amborella has initiated a EUR2.2 million (USD2.3 million) counterclaim against Acass.
In October 2022, the two gentlemen agreed to let Acass manage their jet for five years. They would use it as required, and when not needed Acass would charter the aircraft on an ad hoc basis to help offset its ongoing costs. During a December 2023 review, Acass identified scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance that the aircraft would require in 2024, exceeding EUR500,000 (USD522,000).
ch-aviation research has identified the aircraft as EJ-PRLN (msn 560-6003). Acass began managing it on behalf of Amborella in December 2022.
Amborella made a part payment of EUR100,000 (USD104,000) but then sought to transfer its aircraft to a Hamburg-based aircraft management business before the five-year term expired. Acass agreed to this but sought to recoup EUR933,000 (USD973,000) owed for maintenance costs and other items. That debt has since grown to EUR1.19 million. According to ch-aviation fleets data, the business jet retains its Irish registration and remains with Acass.
Counsel told Justice Mark Sanfey of Ireland's Commercial Court during a January 27, 2025, hearing that the parties had agreed to mediation. Counsel for Amborella disputed the EUR1.19 million claim, saying her side put a maximum value of EUR709,000 (USD740,000) on Acass's claim.
Sanfey agreed to fast-track the claim and set a March 2025 listing date to determine whether mediation had resolved the matter or whether it needed to proceed in the courts.
