“The partners and lawyers we work with are excellent and a valuable part of our transactions. The entire aviation team (partners and employees) was excellent. “Considerable expertise in the aviation sector, combined with deep strength, makes HFW a leader in this field. HFW offers its customers excellent service and ensures efficient results. Its international presence allows it to play a global role in a global sector. “Cameron Gee is one of the best, if not the best, aviation lawyer I`ve ever worked with. He is not only knowledgeable, but also very creative and solution-oriented. “The cooperative relationship is very conducive to the provision of high-quality legal services in all dimensions. Richard Stock (aviation); Maggie Cheung (expedition); Conor Warde (Shipping) Clyde & Co has one of the largest aviation teams with international support through the company`s network of offices in locations such as New York, Johannesburg, Singapore and Sydney.
The firm, led by Kevin Sutherland, advises clients on all contentious and non-contentious aviation-related matters, including commercial, regulatory and underwriting work. The company has an impressive array of clients, from budget operators and national carriers to insurers and brokers. Robert Lawson KC is involved in air disputes, while Maria Cetta is familiar with disaster losses and major losses. Gareth Lewis represents insurers, John Samiotis handles litigation matters and Rob Ireland specialises in liability matters, while Craig Rooney and Tom Van De Wijngaart are experts in dispute resolution. Sonia Lopez focuses on complex people and disaster work. The Norton Rose Fulbright team is recognized for its “personal approach with a high level of expertise and experience.” The U.S. aerospace group has many years of experience advising aviation finance on all aspects of aviation financing. Aviation CEO Alyssa Vazquez is widely respected for her experience in acquiring, leasing and financing aircraft transactions. Sean Corrigan recently assisted DVB Bank SE in the transfer of its aviation credit platform and loan portfolio to MUFG Bank; and James Tussing is “always approachable and very knowledgeable.” Fiona Henderson has extensive experience in the aviation industry and was hired by Clifford Chance as Senior Counsel in July 2020.
All of these people are based in New York. “As a partner, Jackson Chow has been deeply involved in the aviation market for many years and has gained a lot of experience in serving cross-border business for Chinese customers.” Keystone Law has a large client base consisting of airlines, airports, MROS, leasing companies, banks and financiers. The team performs both litigation and transactional work with experience in competition law and merger regulation. Hugh O`Donovan handles regulatory affairs and leads the practice alongside James Healy-Pratt, who has experience in resolving issues arising from international aviation accidents. Alex Ferrari is well versed in representing international and national airlines. “They are aviation experts, both in terms of cross-financing and when it becomes contentious – it`s really a full offering of aviation services.” Kennedys is best known for his extensive experience working for the aviation insurance market and is briefed directly by airlines regarding uninsured claims, regulatory matters and transaction work. These important customers include well-known airlines such as British Airways, Etihad and Ryanair with AIG, Allianz and Global Aerospace on the insurers` side. Simon Balls leads the team and has experience in liability and insurance, while Mark Welbourn has been involved in major insured claims mandates.
Alexandra Rodina is the main point of contact for CIS operators and Noelia Mann is an air defence specialist. Bird & Bird LLP has “deep knowledge of the aviation industry” and experience in advising clients on trends impacting the industry, such as OEM failures, Covid-19 and digitalization. In addition, the team advises airlines, lessors and financiers on sustainability, cybersecurity and data issues affecting the aviation industry. Leo Fattorini runs the firm with Paul Briggs, who works for airlines and lessors. Sophie Eyre specialises in aviation litigation, while Stuart Cairns leads the international airport team. “Tim Fox has an eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills in litigation management.” Simon specializes in the financing, leasing and trading of commercial and business aircraft.