About

Following the 2017 acquisition of International Lease Finance Corporation, AerCap became the largest aircraft leasing company in the world. Currently headquartered in Dublin and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the company has a worldwide presence, serving over 200 customers in 80 countries with offices situated around the world. AerCap’s Dublin-based legal department has an influential role within the company, as it not only provides routine legal and compliance support to the company‘s activities globally, but also acts as an advisor to strategically important issues. Last year, for example, the lawyers provided assistance to the company in its order of 30 Boeing 787-9s, valued at $8.1bn at the Paris Air Show, and played a crucial role in securing a deal to purchase 50 A320neo family aircrafts to be delivered from 2022. 2018 so far has been equally successful for the team, as in the first quarter alone it contributed to a number of lease agreements, sales, acquisitions and financing transactions. AerCap’s former head of legal for leasing Vincent Drouillard just recently (May 2018) made a step-up to the general counsel position and is currently in charge of overseeing the team. Morgan Smith, who now serves as head of legal for leasing is responsible for all customer-facing matters related to leasing, financing, acquisition and trading of commercial aircraft. Their colleague Gordon Chase receives praise in this year’s research for his innovative contributions to the company.