Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
+1 212 530 5000About
Provided by Milbank LLP
Milbank is the premier provider of legal services to the Asset Finance sector worldwide. We have helped our clients develop most if not all of the structures and products that have become first of a kind and then most often utilised in the industry. Our clients represent a true cross-section of the major players, including leasing companies, investment banks, manufacturers, export credit agencies, lenders, governments, equity participants and private equity and hedge funds.
We have an unparalleled wealth of experience gained from transactions in all jurisdictions and provide market leading legal expertise combined with specific industry knowledge and experience.
We always work on the sector’s largest, most complex and innovative transactions. The breadth and depth of our industry experience across Aviation, Shipping, Rail, Space and Asset Finance means that Milbank’s lawyers offer not only legal excellence but also sensitivity to industry specific commercial issues.
Chambers Review
Milbank has a leading aviation asset finance practice. The firm's expertise covers bankruptcy, EETCs, financing and operating leases including JOLCOs, as well as ECA-backed transactions. It is highly regarded for its ability on large cross-border transactions for global clients, including banks, airlines and financial institutions. The firm is also sought after for its expertise in Islamic finance transactions.
Work Highlights
- Milbank advised Avolon Aerospace Leasing on two portfolio financings totalling USD1.75 billion for 38 aircraft.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are extremely customer-focused. The quality of the service is top notch."
"They have specialist expertise and add a lot of value to any strategic transaction they are involved in."
"They have an excellent partner-led approach with a large team of very capable associates which enables them to manage large transactions."
"They have the ability to see the bigger picture and get things done efficiently."
"They are extremely customer-focused. The quality of the service is top notch."
"They have specialist expertise and add a lot of value to any strategic transaction they are involved in."
"They have an excellent partner-led approach with a large team of very capable associates which enables them to manage large transactions."
"They have the ability to see the bigger picture and get things done efficiently."
Notable Practitioners
James Cameron is co-head of the department and a leading specialist in asset leasing and financing transactions. He has considerable experience advising on portfolio acquisitions, joint ventures and JOLCO financings.
"He has a terrific team, is highly regarded for being market-savvy and is very strategic."
"He has excellent client service and is fantastic at organising a large and very capable team."
"He is excellent in terms of industry and market knowledge as well as getting things resolved quickly, pragmatically and efficiently."
Nick Swinburne is co-head of the department and has a stellar reputation in the market for his work on transactions in the aviation space. He advises on portfolio acquisitions, aircraft leasings and JOLCO financings, among other matters.
"He has exceptional knowledge of the industry and is able to work on the most complex of transactions."
"Nick is very technical, being very good from start to finish."
Richard Walton frequently works with clients on cross-border leasings and financings. His clients include lessors, manufacturers and banks.
"He has excellent deal management skills and is great at explaining issues as and when they arise and offering solutions."
Tom Jackson is recognised for his experience in aviation finance. He advises on portfolio acquisitions, aircraft financings and JOLCO financings.
"He is very detailed and considerate of the commercial issues."
"He offers a fantastic level of service, is very amiable and has great attention to detail."
Ranked Lawyers at
Milbank LLP
UK-wide