At Clifford Chance, New York’s Zarrar Sehgal spearheads a team of attorneys who ‘are exceptional in their depth of expertise, dedication, and ability to deliver innovative solutions in complex and challenging’ aviation matters. The practice acts for industry-leading investment entities, advising them on restructurings, aircraft portfolio management, investment vehicle structuring, and revolving credit facilities. A notable recent highlight was their advice to Deutsche Bank on the bidding process and eventual acquisition of $1.67bn of loans from another bank’s aircraft finance portfolio. Sehgal has a lot of experience with asset-backed security transactions whilst also working for banks, lendors, and lessors in various matters such as the acquisition of Castlelake Aviation by Avolon which is a deal involving $5bn worth of assets that is expected to be completed in 2025. Working alongside him, Emily Wicker has a strong pedigree in asset finance but is equipped to handle complex securitization transactions as well. John Howitt  is equipped to handle the full gamut of aviation finance matters ranging from restructurings and lease transactions to portfolio purchases and credit transactions. Rounding out the New York office, the dual-qualified Benjamin Fisher has a wealth of multi-jurisdictional financial experience, particularly debt financing.

Holland & Knight LLP ‘has one of the most reputable, dedicated aviation practices with a deep bench covering trading, leasing, finance, insurance, regulatory and restructuring’, led by Phillip L. Durham out of Chicago and New York. The team boasts a diverse client base, serving international banks, aviation corporations, and investment funds with any and all matters relating to the sector. Durham has strong credentials in leasing and acquisition work and directly advises some of the industry’s largest investors such as Nordic Aviation, AerCap, and BBAM Aircraft Management. Nathan Leavitt works out of the San Francisco office and is considered an authority in the Latin American aviation market, with a wealth of experience with bankruptcy proceedings, insurance matters, and aircraft leasing. In New York, Richard Furey is a dual-qualified attorney with considerable asset finance expertise and is heavily involved in a lot of the team’s portfolio financing work whilst John Pritchard is a widely respected figure in aviation, who acts for a variety of stakeholders in complex securitization transactions. Rounding out the New York office, Danielle Santucci focuses on complex leasing transactions and is particularly well-known in the Latin American market. Asset finance specialist Audrey Sung bolsters the firm West Coast presence alongside Brian Daigle who excels at arranging lending transactions for airlines and funds. In Dallas, Cynthia Liu excels at commercial aircraft finance and is able to advise clients on compliance with international trade regulations.

The ‘commercially minded’ aviation finance team at Vedder Price is adept at handling Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, portfolio acquisition, and structured finance, led by Chicago’s Geoffrey Kass. The clientbase is diverse, the team assists airlines, manufacturers, banks, and investment funds in domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters. It regularly advises Air Canada, Citibank, and Aerocapital Solutions on their aviation finance endeavors. Kass is well known in the market for his aptitude in financial structuring and securities offerings in both the public and private sectors. In New York ‘the practical and experienced’ Jeffery Veber is hailed as an ‘excellent attorney’ for his work in joint ventures, leveraged leasings, and asset acquisition. Working alongside him Cameron A. Gee has a multifaceted practice, equipped with the skills to work on warehouse financings, leveraged leases, and EETCs. In Los Angeles, Raviv Surpin is a talented negotiator who notably represented Sky Leasing in a revolving warehouse credit facility with a syndicate that included Deutsche Bank. Rising partner Justine Chivers excels in portfolio financing, working for lessors and aviation corporations alike. Other key lawyers include; Adam Beringer, Michael E. Draz, and Mark Ditto who all work out of Chicago.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP has a diverse clientbase in the aviation finance sector, working with international airlines such as Lufthansa alongside investment funds and capital management companies. The team which is led by Washington DC’s Steven Chung regularly advises on deal financing, portfolio acquisition, and revolving bridge facilities. It does a lot of work with Griffin Global Asset Management in various lease transactions, engine purchases, and the offerings of unsecured notes. Chung works for a variety of stakeholders in stateside and multijurisdictional matters and is experienced at working with joint venture transactions, aircraft financings, and portfolio securitizations. In Miami, Mark Denham focuses on international transactions, acting for purchasers and lenders alike. Out of the New York office, Andrew Fowler excels in structured financings whilst Thomas Healey is an award-winning finance specialist who is adept at handling Chapter 11 bankruptcies. In New York, Terry Sanders rounds out the team with a wealth of banking experience.

King & Spalding LLP focuses on both international and domestic transactions in the aviation finance sector, representing airlines, unmanned aviation corporations, and financial entities in a variety of matters. The practice is spearheaded by Carolyn Alford in Atlanta and Todd Holeman in New York, with the team adept at handling Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, aquisitional matters, transaction financing, and the leasing of aircraft. Charlotte’s Christopher Buchanan  represents a variety of stakeholders in his practice but is renowned for his knowledge of the payroll support program, which has become legislatively significant in recent years. Aside from this, he frequently advises on the acquisition of Part 135 operators and Part 145 MROs. In Washington DC, Stephen Basking has a strong track record in the intellectual property space and the practice is strengthened further by Arthur Steinberg in New York, who predominantly works on restructuring cases. DC-based Brett Seifarth has a broad skillset, contributing to asset back securitizations, the leasing of aircraft equipment, and the drafting of charter agreements.

Norton Rose Fulbright is particularly active in financial matters related to the aviation sector, boasting investment firms, banks, and international airlines as clients. The team works on transactions on both the buyer’s and seller’s side, showing particular proficiency in sale and leaseback transactions, loan portfolios, and revolving credit facilities. It has a large presence in the Latin American and Scandinavian markets, having represented their major carriers in various matters, most notably in a Chapter 11 case involving Scandinavian Airlines Systems and the subsequent restructuring. Alyssa Marie Vazquez and Fiona Henderson spearhead the practice in New York. Vazquez brings established experience in operating leases and portfolio transactions. The dual-qualified Henderson has considerable multi-jurisdictional expertise and was a key figure in the aforementioned Chapter 11 case. Ryan Apar adds valuable strength to the practice, acting for all major stakeholders in domestic and international deals.

BNP Paribas, Bank of America, and Atlas Air are all clients of the ‘incredibly hard-working, diligent, and detail-orientated’ team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP for aviation finance cases. New York’s Mark Lessard leads the team, which exhibits a particularly strong track record in portfolio financing, cross-border leasings, and engine acquisition. Lessard leads an international team, developing a strong understanding of international aviation markets, which aids his work in m&a, chapter 11 bankruptcies, and aviation financing. Recently, alongside Pat Reisinger he worked on the negotiation of a major debt financing facility for Azorra Aviation Holdings, later assisting them with their first capital markets transaction. Reisinger also brings skill in work involving bonds and cargo aircraft leasing. The New York office is further strengthened by Melissa Jones-Prus who is active in the private equity space, leading major structured financing cases for the team. In Los Angeles, Richard Evans leverages his ability to practice in both California and England whilst advising on key multi-jurisdictional deals involving aviation regulation, portfolio financing, and asset-backed securitizations.

The global aviation sector practice at Watson Farley & Williams (New York) LLP, manages an international team serving clients who have a significant market share in the industry. It works with major banks, trusts, and international corporations on the full gamut of the sector, ranging from share acquisition and transaction financing to Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and advice on the economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war. Susanne Burstein leverages a broad skill set, working with lessors, borrowers, and investors in complex financings and securitization transactions. Bernstein works alongside Philip Jackmauh in New York, who focuses on structuring and completing lucrative aircraft portfolio acquisitions, warehouse facilities, and term loans. Recently he advised Major League Soccer on an air transportation charter agreement with Sun Country Airlines. In London, Dominic Pearson is qualified to practice in both New York and California, working for banks, underwriters, and airlines in a variety of deals, including advising the Aviation Working Group on the Global Aircraft Trading System. Julia Sim and Celinda Metro add additional strength to the team.

Baker Botts L.L.P. is home to an experienced corporate aviation department, led by Samantha Crispin and Luke Weedon in Dallas, Natasha Khan in Houston, and Johnathan Goldstein in New York. Goldstein is a reference in the aviation finance sector. He regularly acts for both sponsors and lendors on offerings for enhanced equipment trust certificates, syndications, and warehouse facilities.The practice has considerable multijurisdictional experience. The practice also advises international corporations such as British Petroleum, Walkers LLP, and Petrus Aviation on a host of corporate matters, ranging from portfolio acquisition and credit facility management to securitization transactions and loan facilities.

Brian Liu and Paul Brusiloff lead the New York-based aviation group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, representing international and domestic airlines on financial matters involving enhanced equipment trust certificates, frequent flyer loyalty programs, and joint ventures. Brusiloff focuses predominantly on borrowers and investors, helping them with equity financing and complex restructurings. Liu’s practice covers a wide variety of transactional matters ranging from equipment leasing and syndicated credit facilities to warehouse facilities and aircraft acquisition. Iryna Nikolaieva is a rising star in the practice, experienced at managing domestic and cross-border transactions. Key clients include American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Phillippine Airlines. The team regularly acts in portfolio transactions, the structuring of revolving credit facilities, and mortgaging financing.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s transportation and space practice is run jointly led by Madalyn Miller and David Wilf in New York, representing leading aerospace corporations, banks, and airlines in complex aviation finance transactions. The practice excels at handling engine maintenance and acquisition matters. The practice regularly contributes to international deals for Deutsche Bank and the Bank of America and has recently worked on some enhanced equipment trust certificates for AIP Capital worth $242m. Miller is an asset finance specialist, with a strong record in both secured and unsecured lending transactions. Washinton DC’s Melissa Kopit and New York’s Tom Caruso strengthen the practice.

Husch Blackwell LLP  is notable active for American Airlines on various aircraft purchase agreements, engine leases, and portfolio acquisitions. ‘This practice combines deep industry expertise with a client-centered, innovative approach’ which is led by David Agee out of Springfield. It also works on marketing services agreements, passenger loyalty programs, and high-value cross-border aviation transactions. Agee utilizes his background in corporate law to represent all key stakeholders in large acquisition and financing matters. Washington DC’s Lana Yaghi ‘demonstrates excellent business acumen’ in her practice, applying regulatory knowledge that influences aircraft ownership and operations. Springfield-based Michael Cosby focuses on commercial aviation and is equipped to ensure that clients remain FAA and IRC-compliant throughout aircraft sales and leasing. Chatanooga’s Katie Giannasi, Springfield’s Lauren Hawkins, and Amanda Tummons alongside Denver’s Chris Sundberg round out the practice.

The aviation finance team at K&L Gates  has wide-reaching expertise, from representing both bank and non-institutional lenders to lessors, airlines, and technology innovators. Its services for commercial finance in the sector are a particular highlight. Amanda Darling heads up the team from Orange County, ‘an excellent lawyer’ with notable experience of the Japanese market which leads her to work in structuring and advising on JOLCO transactions. Milos Kovacevic, in Seattle, is also recommended.

McGuireWoods LLP is reputed for its depth of expertise in various complex aviation finance matters such as aircraft leasing, portfolio acquisition, and the modification of warehouse facilities. Out of the firm’s Charlotte office, Patricia Hosmer leads the team that frequently advises major airlines, banks, and asset management firms on the full gamut of the aviation sector. The practice possesses valuable regulatory expertise, ensuring that clients who make commercial airplane purchases comply with FAA and DOT protocols. The attorney’s expertise is not limited to aircraft matters, they frequently advise on structuring loans and financing for engines and aviation equipment. Homser represents various corporate clients on various transportation finance transactions, she excels at negotiating and drafting charter agreements. In New York, Deepak Reddy  has a broad skillset, working for clients on major lease purchases from other financial institutions. San Francisco's Peter Szurley and Charlotte's David Whepley Jr round out the practice.

The aviation team at O'Melveny is led by Jason Kaplan out of the firm’s New York office, representing major international banks such as Citibank, Development Bank of Japan, and Dekabank in loan credit agreements, pre-delivery payment facilities and aircraft-backed securitizations. The team also advises investment funds, aviation corporations, and international companies on a number of high-value aviation transactions. Kaplan’s broad expertise covers EETCs, equipment financings, and secured notes issuances. Eric Richards is active in airport development, contributing to a number of multi-jurisdictional deals out of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Alongside him, Liz Dubeck is a finance specialist whose work in project finance and infrastructural development has significant overlap with the aviation sector. In New York, recently promoted partner Nidhi Geevarghese works for all major stakeholders, demonstrating expertise in debt financing work, syndicated loan transactions, and project finance.

Sidley Austin LLP is praised by clients for its work on aircraft leasing, acquisition, and portfolio management, spearheaded by Bart Biggers in Dallas and Houston’s Kevin Lewis. The team represents major domestic carriers such as United, West Jet, and Hawaiian Airlines, assisting with aircraft and equipment leasing, m&a deals, and joint ventures in multiple jurisdictions. Biggers is an experienced figure in this sector, having represented American Airlines for over 2 decades with the full gamut of aviation finance matters. Lewis is praised for his financing work but is also reputed for his work in emerging technologies and sustainable travel. Atman Shukla has domestic and international aviation expertise, adding further strength to the practice out of the firm’s Houston office.

The growing practice at Vinson & Elkins LLP  represents leading aircraft manufacturers, leasing companies, and financial institutions with the full gamut of the transactional aviation sector. The team, which is led by New York’s David Berkery and Niels Jensen, is well known in the portfolio trading market, representing Castelake in the acquisition and leasing of 16 aircraft in multiple jurisdictions, in a deal worth over $300 million. Berkery is qualified to practice in both the United States and Ireland and is seen as ‘an industry leader’ in multi-jurisdictional aviation transactions. Jensen is a ‘strong negotiator’ and is experienced at handling securitization matters and the utilization of bridge facilities in the acquisition of aircraft. ‘Rockstar associate’ Demi Hueth uses her broad skillset to handle the full range of aviation finance matters.

White & Case LLP‘s aviation finance team consists of attorneys who are ‘very knowledgeable and capable of working in collaboration on multi-jurisdictional and complex matters’, led by Miami’s Christian Hansen and Sean Goldstein. Clients include international airlines, aviation companies, and export entities as long-term clients. The firm is adept at advising on loan facilities, share acquisitions, credit facilities, and leasing. Hansen, who splits his time between Miami and Mexico City excels at cross-border transactions and has experience in working in restructurings as well as the purchase and sale of aircraft and equipment. Todd Wolynski is ‘the godfather of this practice’ who has established experience in m&a and bankruptcy proceedings, working out of the firm’s New York office. In Miami, Anna Andreeva regularly prepares enhanced equipment trust certificates for domestic and international airlines.