Representing airlines, operating lessors, hedge funds, institutional equity investors, and commercial and investment banks, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s New York-based aviation finance team acts on the full range of transactions, including the acquisition, leasing, conversion and financing of cargo aircraft. The group is particularly active in cross-border deals, as well as being increasingly mandated for Latin American matters. Acting for operating lessors, airlines and lenders on aircraft acquisitions, leasings and financings, Alyssa Marie Vazquez heads up the firm’s aviation team in the US. Flanking Vazquez, Fiona Henderson is ’extremely well versed in the New York aviation law space’. Henderson’s recent experience includes advising Scandinavian Airlines (as special aircraft counsel) on its Chapter 11 Case. The next line of advisers includes Ryan Apar, who assists lenders, borrowers, lessors and operators with financings, leasings and acquisitions, and is particularly focused on transportation equipment-related finance. Former partner Sean Corrigan retired from the firm during 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Legal professionals who take the time to understand ECA clients’ unique needs.’
- ‘Clients are delighted to have them as their legal representative.’
- ‘Fiona Henderson is extremely well versed in the New York aviation law space.’
- ‘Fiona Henderson is responsive and has excellent attention to detail, but is also pragmatic in ensuring clients’ needs are met while concurrently working towards efficient transaction closings.’
- ‘Fiona Henderson is wholeheartedly recommended as an aviation legal professional.’
Key clients
- LATAM Airlines
- Castlelake
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC
- DZ Bank AG (formerly known as DVB Bank SE)
- 777 Partners
- Zephyrus Aviation Capital
- Scandinavian Airline System (SAS)
- Bombardier Inc.
- Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Carlyle Aviation Partners on the acquisition of aircrafts on lease to airlines worldwide.
- Advised Willis Lease Finance Corporation on its latest ABS issuance, WEST VII.
- Representing SAS, as special aircraft finance counsel, in connection with its Chapter 11 case.
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.
Ryan Apar
Norton Rose FulbrightNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Fiona Henderson
Norton Rose FulbrightPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alyssa Marie Vazque, Fiona Henderson