Praised for its ‘incredible industry knowledge’, Norton Rose Fulbright remains a leading outfit in aviation finance, where the firm covers the full range of matters including regulatory matters and new financing structures. Financial institutions, operating lessors and airlines regularly turn to the practice to handle cross-border transactions and day-to-day operations. George Paterson heads the team and is noted for his experience acting for banks and export credit agencies as well as airlines in a wide array of financing matters. Insurance supported financings, syndicated lending and tax-based structures are amongst the competencies of counsel Sébastien Allain. Alex Wass is a further key partner in the practice, while Marc Hamilton moved to the firm’s Dubai office in 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very good efficiency and communication. Perfect work.’
‘Flexible, deep market knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills.’
‘The team has incredible industry knowledge. They are always ready to give advice and go the extra mile. The team is also very client friendly and it's a please to work with them on a daily basis.’
‘Sebastien Allain is very practical and always finds a solution, even in tough spots. His ability to present complex issues in a simple manner is a core competence of the team.’
Key clients
- CACIB
- Société Générale
- Toronto Dominion Bank
- BNP Paribas
- JP Morgan
- Bank of America
- Citibank
- UKEF
- Euler Hermes
- BPI France
- Natixis
- Export Development Canada
- Crédit Industriel et Commercial
Work highlights
- Advised the Airbus ECAs and Société Générale in the financing of ten A321neo Aircraft for Pegasus Airlines.
- Advised Natixis on the Balthazar-supported limited recourse financing of 3 A220-300s to Goal/KGAL on lease to Air Baltic.
- Advised Société Générale on a sustainability-linked loan to Air France for the financing of one A350 aircraft.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
George Paterson