The 'seasoned' London-based aviation finance practice at Vedder Price has strong and well-established relationships with lessors, financiers, operators and funds which are appreciative not only of its vast sector knowledge but also its ability to advise on both English and New York law debt products, often in unison with its market-leading US offering. Although it does handle some more commoditised financings, the partner-led team adds particular value on more complex and often heavily structured mandates, involving commercial and export-credit-backed debt. Gavin Hill has deep expertise at handling the financing, leasing and acquisition/sale of commercial/business aircraft and aircraft engines. Neil Poland is 'able to distil complex legal issues', including in the context of operating lease structures and export credit financings, into 'clear, reasoned and commercially focused advice' for lessors, banks and airlines. Dylan Potter is a 'safe pair of hands' on aviation finance transactions and also heads up the office's maritime and equipment finance practices. The 'professional and reliable' Derek Watson handles corporate jet work alongside his commercial aviation offering, while John Pearson continues to gain recognition for his knowledge of ESG-related aviation matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The firm has a seasoned aviation finance practice in London, which is complemented by its significant and market-leading team in the US. The ability to cover off both English law/New York (and broader US law) matters is a particularly appealing facet of the practice.'
- 'Neil Poland is excellent – a pleasure to work with and is able to distil complex legal issues into clear, reasoned and commercially focused advice.'
- 'Dylan Potter remains an excellent commercial lawyer in the field of aviation finance. A trusted adviser and "safe pair of hands".'
- 'Derek Watson is very responsive, professional and reliable.'
- 'John Pearson should be commended for his work and focus on broader industry matters – particularly in the ESG space, where he is undoubtedly a leading practitioner already.'
Key clients
- Airbus
- BayernLB (Bayerische Landesbank)
- Castlelake
- NordLB (Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale)
- Aero Capital Solutions
- volofin Holdings DAC
- Macquarie AirFinance
- Aero Capital Solutions
- Lynx Air
- Absa Bank Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Aero Capital Solutions on three loan portfolio transactions with Investec Bank.
- Advised NordLB in relation to the first Balthazar-covered financing of an Airbus A330-900neo aircraft to Condor, with a junior loan provided by Tamweel Aviation Finance (arranged by Novus Aviation Capital).
- Represented Lynx Air in a sale and leaseback of three CFM LEAP-1B27 engines.