Asset finance

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP has a highly-rated bench of partners, along with a sizeable team of associates. Seven partners are active in the aviation finance and leasing arena with the wider team having an extensive record in establishing aviation platforms, aviation M&A, aviation capital markets transactions (including aircraft portfolio securitisations and unsecured note issuances), syndicated financings, sale and leasebacks, and corporate reorganisations and restructurings. Sanctions, insurance and ESG matters are also core to the practice. Joe Fay, Hilary Marren and Georgina O’Riordan are established names in the market, while Ian Payne, Richard Gill and Laura Deignan are also key partners. Catherine Deane retired in February 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘We are always delighted to use this firm for our transactions given their many years of solid expertise. It is easy to see why they have earned their excellent reputation.’
‘In particular, Georgina O’Riordan and Kate Clancy are notable for their dedication and efficiency in handling the various transactions on our behalf. This team will always guide your transactions smoothly and in the right direction from inception to closing.’
‘Fantastic team who always deliver. The attention to detail is stellar. It is partner-run with care until the finish line.’
‘Laura Deignan is a stand out. Commercial and understands the practical nuances to closing deals. Ian Payne delivers, every single time.’
‘McCann Fitzgerald has a very strong presence and position in asset finance, which we as a longstanding client have benefitted from for many years. There is always a great sense of comfort having the team's professionalism and efficiency on your side. Their industry knowledge is undoubted, and they get things done. A valuable combination in a fast changing world.’
‘Laura Deignan has taken over our relationship, taking off with a great start with the support of the great team. Niall Dolan is an excellent young lawyer from that group of people.’
‘MCF have excellent people in their asset finance team from the partners right down to their more junior associates. They are very responsive, proactive, commercial and adaptable. They are the preferred counsel for our team because of the service they provide.’
‘The partners from Georgina O Riordan to Ian Payne and Laura Deignan are all terrific - they are very hands on and get actively involved in the deals rather than leaving it to junior associates.'

Key clients

Abelo Capital Aviation Management
AerCap Holdings
AIP Capital
Aircastle Advisor
Altavair
AV Air Finance
Avia Solutions Group
Aviation Capital Group
BBAM US and its Irish affiliates including, BBAM Aviation Services
BOC Aviation
Cavic Aviation Leasing (Ireland)
CDB Aviation Leasing
Crédit Agricole-CIB
Dynam Aviation Ireland
FGL Aircraft Ireland
FPG Amentum
Genesis Aircraft Services
GOAL German Operating Aircraft Leasing
Itochu Corporation
JLPS Ireland
Nordic Aviation Capital
ORIX Aviation Systems
Sato Aviation Ireland
Scandinavian Airline System
Sirius Aviation Capital
Sky Leasing
SMBC Aviation Capital
Standard Chartered Bank
Titan Aviation
UMBF Trust and Agency Services

Work highlights

Advised AerCap Holdings on four issuances of senior unsecured notes and an issuance of junior subordinated notes with an aggregate value of $7bn.
Acted for SMBC Aviation Capital in its litigation before the Irish courts relating to claims arising from the seizure of 34 aircraft on lease to Russian airlines following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Acted for Standard Chartered in connection with the $3.6bn sale of the Pembroke Group's global aviation leasing business to AviLease.