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K&L Gates

Aviation: Finance

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Asia-Pacific Region

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K&L Gates

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aviation: Finance - Asia-Pacific Region

Band 3

What the Team is Known For
K&L Gates's aviation finance group demonstrates strength by advising on aircraft financing and leasing transactions in the Asia-Pacific region. Resources are available across various offices, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, with particular strength in Tokyo. The team has an established presence in cross-border aircraft portfolio acquisition and financing deals. The team is notable for acting for lessors, airlines and banks, with a focus on Japanese clients. K&L Gates is further noted for its experience in JOLCO structures and for asset-backed securitisation matters. Its restructuring expertise complements the firm's aviation finance team and bolsters its cross-border capabilities.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • K&L Gates advised Crédit Agricole CIB as arranger, lender, and sustainability adviser in relation to a sustainability-linked JOLCO financing of one new A321NEO for a Philippine low-cost airline.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • K&L Gates has a strong presence in Tokyo.

    Aviation: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Samuel Kolehmainen
    Samuel Kolehmainen

    Samuel Kolehmainen

    Samuel Kolehmainen is active handling a variety of mandates, such as advising on loan facility transactions and the restructuring of lease agreements. He is regularly sought after by leading banks and airlines.

    • I think he's very good and continues to be visible in the market.

      Aviation: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Samuel is a good technical lawyer. He's got a broad range of work.

      Aviation: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Robert E Melson Jr
    Robert E Melson Jr

    Robert E Melson Jr

    Robert Melson is based in Tokyo and is recognised as an established aviation finance specialist who often acts for lessors on aircraft leasings and financings.

    • He's a very senior figure and a rainmaker.

      Aviation: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Duc Nguyen
    Duc Nguyen

    Duc Nguyen

    Duc Nguyen is a partner in the firm's aviation finance practice, assisting a range of key lenders and leasing companies. He is also well placed to assist with transactions involving the Vietnamese aviation market.

    • Duc is strong in Vietnam work.

      Aviation: Finance respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at K&L Gates (3)

Asia-Pacific Region

K&L Gates has rankings in the following guides

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