Praised as a ‘great one stop shop for complex cross-border transactions’, Norton Rose Fulbright maintains a prominent position in the region’s aviation, shipping, and offshore sectors, leveraging its broad Asian and global networks to provide advisory services. The team is adept at handling high-value transactions, such as aircraft acquisitions and aviation equipment deals, along with complex portfolio management, often working with leading financial institutions and major regional airlines. Furthermore, the shipping division functions as a pivotal hub, delivering a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the industry. Keith Sandilands is noted for his considerable experience in all aspects of domestic and cross-border sales. He leads the team alongside Ben Rose, who advises on asset and project finance matters, specialising in the shipping, energy and offshore energy sectors. Elsewhere in the team, Sue Ann Gan stands out for her experience in shipping litigation, while Sophie Polisena is noted for her experience acting for international shipping and project financing banks, owners, operators and other financial institutions in syndicated and bilateral debt facilities. Praised as ‘commercial and extremely responsive’, Edward Bentley is another key contact in the group.

Well-regarded for its ability to find ‘pragmatic solutions to difficult matters and achieving results that work for all parties’, the team at Stephenson Harwood LLP specialises in structured and aviation finance as well as shipping and offshore finance. Counting major financial institutions, banks, lessors, and lessees among its key roster of clients, the team’s expertise covers both contentious and non-contentious issues, with extensive experience in handling restructurings and refinancing, as well as lease transactions, sales, purchases, and portfolio management within the aviation sector. Co-head Gregg Johnston is involved in loan portfolio transfers related to international bank mergers and group reorganisations. Fellow co-head Saugata Mukherjee stands out for his expertise in derivatives and structured products. Huay Yee Kwan continues to assist on high-profile matters, focusing on PRC leasing, and Pedram Norton advises on all aspects of ship finance, workouts, debt structuring and financing. Other notable individuals include: Jeffrey Tanner, who is noted for his strong sector focus on maritime and offshore energy; Gregory Xu, who is recommended for his experience advising on complex financing; and Clement Leung, who regularly advises on the hedging aspects of aviation finance transactions.

Clifford Chance remains a key player for aviation matters throughout the Asia Pacific region. The practice had manages a steady stream of mandates over the last year, including financing deals, restructurings, sales and leasebacks, JOLCO structured leasing, and sustainability-linked financings. Spearheading the team is Fergus Evans, who advises clients on various types of financing including syndicated lending, aircraft and asset financing. Counsel Nattawat Vilasdechanon is a key port of call for global financial institutions and international aircraft lessors seeking advice on commercial and private aircraft financings, leasing and trading.

Under the leadership of ship finance expert John Forrester, HFW Singapore LLP’s team skilfully navigates a diverse range of shipping and aviation finance matters. The practice is highly regarded for its expertise in advising lessors on portfolio management, warehouse financing, aircraft portfolio acquisitions, and lease structuring, leveraging its extensive experience in aviation finance throughout China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Ling Lui stands out for her deep knowledge in aviation, while Siri Wennevik is recommended for her expertise in ship finance across both the APAC region and Scandinavia.

Lauded for its ability to provide ‘pragmatic and sound advice’, the team at Watson Farley & Williams LLP stands out for its extensive expertise in aviation and shipping finance, as well as its significant involvement in ESG and sustainability-linked financings. The team is led by the ‘very commercial and collaborative’ Charles Viggers, who is noted for his focus on the transport sector, with a special emphasis on aviation finance and leasing. A litany of banks, leasing companies and financial institutions turn to Madeline Leong for her assistance on a range of matters across the transportation, natural resources and energy sectors. Andrew Nimmo advises on project and asset financings.

Bird & Bird ATMD LLP is noted for its expertise in cross-border aircraft finance and leasing mandates, in addition to restructuring transactions, and counts regional airlines, aircraft lessors and financial institutions among its key roster of clients. Leo Fattorini, whose ‘insights into aviation finance are unparalleled’, leads the team.

Fielding a ‘very knowledgeable team’, K&L Gates Straits Law LLC’s aviation finance practice counts financial institutions, leasing companies,, and airlines among its key roster of clients, assisting them on structuring, documents and negotiating aircraft finance transactions. Co-head Samuel Kolehmainen, who is praised for going ‘above and beyond for clients’, has extensive experience in commercial and Export Credit Agency financings. Fellow co-head Duc Nguyen focuses on corporate and international finance.

Mishcon de Reya LLP has steadily expanded its presence in the Singapore’s asset finance market, particularly excelling in financings and matters related to luxury assets. Praised for its ability to provide ‘high-quality, meticulous advice that consistently achieves the best outcomes’, the team also excels in cross-border matters. The practice is jointly steered by Ethan Tan, an aviation expert, and Hong Chong Yi, a maritime services expert.

Fielding a team of ‘highly skilled and adept commercial lawyers’, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP excels in aircraft portfolio sales and purchases, refinancing, leasing and sale and leaseback transactions, regularly acting for a range of lessors, financial institutions, investors and aircrafts. The ‘fantastic’ James Bradley leads the team, and advises on a range of transactions in the transportation and finance sectors. Elsewhere in the team, Wai Ming Yap focuses on corporate transactions, advising major corporations in M&A, takeovers, delistings and restructurings, while Terry Chang’s practice includes aircraft and engine financing, cross-border leading and structured finance transactions.

Housing an ‘excellent team with top-tier communication and commercial approach’, Reed Smith LLP routinely advises on complex and multi-jurisdictional financings, sales and leasebacks, restructurings, portfolio transfers, and secured lendings, with further specialisms covering engine leasing and financing. At the helm sits head Simon Spells, who is lauded for his ability to handle transactions with ‘efficiency and effectiveness’.

With a strong focus on Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and India, Vedder Price is recognised for its deep expertise in advising leasing companies and airlines on operating lease transactions. The firm’s commitment to clients is frequently highlighted, with many noting how the team ‘goes above and beyond with their commitment’. Leveraging robust ties with their US offices, the team adeptly manages cross-border financing transactions, English and New York law, and operating lease restructurings for airlines. Ji Woon Kim leads the team in Singapore and regularly handles matters involving commercial aircraft and business aircrafts.