About

Founded in 2010, Avolon has grown into a leading global aircraft leasing firm. Headed by general counsel Ed Riley, the Avolon legal team consists of 11 lawyers, one personal assistant and one secondee. The airline industry is subject to a variety of unique environmental laws and regulations, which are subject to frequent change and have become more stringent in recent years. In particular, governmental regulations regarding aircraft and engine noise and emissions levels apply based on where the relevant aircraft is registered and operated. Due to a combination of these circumstances and Avolon becoming a public company in December 2014, Riley’s team have been asked to manage more regulation than ever, as well as reporting and corporate governance requirements: they have been required to file certain reports under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to business operations and financial condition; asked to meet requirements of the New York Stock Exchange; and handle certain provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In addition, the legal team has established new internal policies including those relating to disclosure controls and procedures. In early 2016 Bohai Leasing completed its acquisition of Avolon, Riley claimed that despite the change of ownership the legal team has ‘consistently delivered on tight deadlines to allow the company to reach its goals’, further evincing their professionalism. Throughout a busy, successful and exciting time for Avolon, the support of the legal team has been essential to the continued success and growth of the fledgling company.