Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird established its aviation finance practice in Paris in December 2022 with the arrival of Laurence Hanley, former practice head at Stephenson Harwood, who focuses on advising borrowers in financings, complemented by expertise in regulatory matters, tax, and SPC vehicles. Embedded into the firm’s wider network, the practice also regularly handles cross-border matters and counts clients hailing from Indonesia and Japan amongst its portfolio.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are experts in French legal matters relating to aviation leasing, trading and finance. They have strong industry knowledge and work efficiently.’
‘A unique team of highly skilled professionals, obviously on pure legal matters, but also on commercial and technical fields, and with excellent market and industry knowledge.’
‘Maria Miller is an excellent lawyer who provides commercially driven strategic advice to clients in a manner that is concise, efficient and well-researched. She is a much trusted adviser on French corporate law and aviation matters.’
‘Their adaptability, versatility, and their ability and eagerness to work as a team with their client.’
‘Great team with a complete vision of the industry. They really try to understand the point of view of the person they represent to defend their interest in the best way. Diverse team regarding gender and ethnicity, which is a great strength. Easy to communicate with.’
‘Great professionals, knowledgeable and smart. Easy to communicate with.’
‘Good knowledge and excellent handling of matters.’
‘Maria Miller - efficient and responsive and reliable.’
Key clients
- Société Air France
- Transavia France
- Air Côte d'Ivoire
- Air France Hop
Work highlights
- Advised Société Air France in the sale and leaseback of eleven Airbus A220-300s, with Japanese investors, involved in all stages of the transaction from negotiating the lease agreements to the deliveries of the aircraft.
- Advised Société Air France on its refinancing via JOLCO and SLL, of one new Airbus A350-900 with Japanese investors and the Tokyo Branch of a major European bank as debt arranger.
- Advised Transavia France in the twelve years operating lease of eight new A320neo.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Laurence Hanley