Leading the firm's Aviation practice, Timothy Lynes, managing partner of Katten's Washington, DC office, has spent more than 30 years representing manufacturers, airlines, lessors, financial institutions, equity investors and insurers in the sale, leasing and financing of aircraft. Clients rely on Tim's deep industry knowledge and his proven leadership in the field.Having spent so many years serving aviation clients, Tim has developed his own best practices that lead the rest of the sector. For example, he created and implemented novel private aviation cost-sharing structures involving non-exclusive leases and management agreements that now are used industrywide. This forward-looking, innovative approach is why clients turn to Tim again and again.Tim handles all types of aviation transactions with a singular focus on finding creative solutions to a client's most challenging problems. In every deal, he works to build consensus among all parties, paying particular attention to their unique needs. Tim never assumes he automatically knows what success looks like for a client – he listens and then develops a strategy that will accomplish their specific objectives.He has made numerous appearances on CNN and other outlets to discuss aviation issues from the perspective of manufacturers and airlines routinely writes on the aviation issues of the day.
North America - United States • Transport
Katten
Katten is well known for its representation of major manufacturers, such as Brazilian aerospace multinational Embraer. The team also acts for significant leasing companies, and is highly regarded for its business aviation advice to corporations and high-net-worth individuals. The group is also able to leverage the expertise of its administrative and regulatory colleagues, as well as the firm’s commercial and bankruptcy litigation credentials. Representative mandates cover the buying, selling, leasing and financing of new and used aircraft, engines and related equipment, along with the structuring of investments in commercial aircraft businesses. In Washington DC, aviation practice chair Timothy Lynes is a veteran advisor to manufacturers, airlines, lessors, financial institutions, equity investors and insurers on aircraft-related sales, leasings, and financings. Supporting the group from New York, corporate and securities transaction expert Timothy Kirby also assists with high-stakes aviation financings. Former partner Stewart Herman departed the firm in 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Embraer S.A.
- First American Commercial Bancorp, Inc
Work highlights
- Represented Embraer in the pre-delivery payment financing for the purchase by Azorra Aircraft Holdings LLC of 25 Embraer 190-E2 and 195-E2 Series aircraft.
- Represented Embraer in a Merx Aviation Finance LLC pre-delivery payment financing for Porter Aircraft Leasing Corp, in relation to six Embraer E195-E2 series aircraft.
- Representing Embraer S.A. in the financing of pre-delivery payments by Avolon Finance Ireland, which concern 10 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to be acquired by Porter Aircraft Leasing Corporation.
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Timothy Lynes