The Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (the Convention) and the associated Protocol to the Convention on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment (the Protocol) (together more commonly known as the Cape Town Convention) came into force on 1 March 2006.

The Cape Town Convention establishes a uniform set of rules guiding the constitution, protection, prioritisation and enforcement of certain rights in aircraft and aircraft engines. Central to the purpose of the Cape Town Convention is the creation of the International Registry for aircraft objects where certain categories of interest may be recorded, including a security interest in an aircraft. The Cape Town Convention also provides protection for creditors if there is a default or insolvency situation.