K&L Gates LLP
K&L Gates LLP acts for airlines and lessors on a range of transactions, including sales, purchases and leases, with contentious matters including issues of non-payment and aircraft seized in Russia also forming part of the practice’s capabilities. Heading the group are aviation financing specialists Philip Perrotta and Peter O’Hare, with Peter Morton co-ordinating the firm’s international arbitration practice and taking the lead on aviation sector disputes. Former practice heads Sidanth Rajagopal and Manuela Krach moved to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP in October 2022 and March 2023 respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have a significant number of partners with deep expertise in aviation and transport-related disputes, including financing and leasing, regulatory and technical matters.'
- 'As a client, we value the professionalism of the team as well as high communication skills and responsiveness.'
- 'The whole team is supportive, including but not limited to partners, paralegals and the financial department etc.'
- 'Philip Perrotta has a unique skill of providing high-quality legal advice and is one of the best knowledgeable legal professionals in the aviation field.'
- 'Philip Perrotta has the best understanding of business needs and finds the best solutions to meet the customer's needs.'
- 'Peter Morton is a highly qualified legal professional, very responsive and a true expert in his field.'
Key clients
- Abelo Capital Aviation Management Limited
- JLPS Ireland Limited
- Lease Corporation International (LCI)
- Vietjet
- Avation PLC
- China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC)
- AMRA Leasing
Work highlights
- Represented AMRA Leasing in obtaining a default judgment for over $10m in respect of sums due under an aircraft lease, and thereafter in 2022 successfully defeating an application to set aside the judgment.
- Acted for aircraft lessor China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) in parallel Commercial Court proceedings against defendants Asia Aviation Capital Limited and AirAsia Berhad, leading to a successful resolution of the dispute in 2022.
- Acted for a leading provider of air cargo services in ICC arbitration proceedings with an Asian national flag carrier airline regarding a long term hard block cargo capacity agreement.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Philip Perrotta, Peter O’Hare, Peter Morton