UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Holland & Knight LLP
Holland & Knight's Aviation Finance Practice has earned an international reputation for cutting-edge transactional work involving the domestic and cross-border financing, leasing and trading of aircraft, engines and spare parts, including sophisticated capital markets financings, joint ventures, M&A transactions, bespoke structures for investors and alternative lenders, and "first of its kind" transactions.
Holland & Knight represents some of the biggest players in the world in the largest transactions in the aviation industry and has extensive, demonstrated cross-border prowess, including market leading experience in the Americas. We deliver more than just financial services-related advice, as many deals involve corporate, regulatory, bankruptcy, insurance and tax support for transactions unique to the aviation industry.
Our team supports clients in a variety of complex transactions, such as :
» Large scale aviation platform joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and portfolio trades
» Complex alternative financing and investment structures in the aviation space
» Sophisticated capital markets transactions involving aviation assets
» All manner of leasing, financing, trading and procurement of aviation assets
» Airline and leasing company insolvency related proceedings, restructurings and workouts
» Disputes and asset repossessions
Provided by Chambers
Holland & Knight's aviation finance team can handle a broad array of mandates. The firm is experienced in handling cross-border matters. Its clients include leasing companies, airlines and banks. The firm has notable expertise in sale and leaseback transactions, advising on Russian sanctions and joint ventures, among other things.
Provided by Chambers
Holland & Knight represented 17 lessors in GOL’s USD4 billion Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding.
Provided by Chambers
They cut right through the noise; they are able to get through to the key points of a case and successfully argue them.
The team provide thorough feedback and continually ensure that protection is sufficient.
They have broad yet deep competence in aircraft financing and leasing.
Provided by Chambers
Debra Erni is a highly regarded practitioner who regularly advises clients in the aviation sector on leasings, large portfolio acquisitions and financings. She is particularly well versed in advising on Japanese transactions.
Debra is so great. She's so good at explaining things in a way that everyone can understand, so practical and has a great pulse on the market.
Her depth of knowledge, commercial mindset and practical approach make her a highly valued external counsel, and we often seek her insights on market trends and structuring strategies.
Richard Sharman has an experienced practice in the aviation finance space. He works on issues such as debt financings, operating leases, matters arising from Chapter 11 work and joint ventures.
Richard is very experienced. He's able to navigate complex issues and provide constructive feedback.
Richard is very approachable, commercially minded and experienced in a wide range of deals. He has creative solutions.
Victoria Koob co-leads the department and advises financial institutions, airlines and leasing companies on complex aviation transactions. She has experience working on portfolio financing matters and issues arising from Chapter 11 submissions, among other matters.
She is excellent at cutting through all the noise and identifying key points.
Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
Provided by Holland & Knight LLP
Joe Snell
Michael Holt
Giles Cornwall
Mary Gong
Sam Wager
Sharenia Kulendrin
Richard Sharman
View profile of Richard SharmanDebra Erni
View profile of Debra ErniVictoria Koob
View profile of Victoria KoobGlobal 2026
Practice area: Asset Finance
Location: Global Market Leaders
View department profile for Global 2026
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