Transportation: Aviation: Finance
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 1
Contact number
+1 212 530 5000About
Provided by Milbank LLP
Unmatched experience sets the tone of our Aviation work. Voted “Best Law Firm” by Aircraft Economics and consistently named a “#1 ranked law firm” in the US in aviation finance by Chambers USA, the work we do in this field is widely recognized.
We started our aviation work with the first-ever merger of two publically traded aircraft leasing companies, representing AerCap in its acquisition of Genesis Leasing Limited. Since then, we’ve structured top-notch teams from across the firm’s practices and offices to counsel clients on the restructuring of aircraft leases, financing in bankruptcy, and the acquisition and leveraged financing of aviation assets.
Our aviation work is routinely recognized for its innovation and significance with “Deal of the Year” awards from industry periodicals.
Chambers Review
Milbank LLP boasts a highly respected practice recognized for extensive experience in a broad range of aviation finance matters. Its areas of expertise include Ex-Im bank financing, asset-backed securitizations and EETC finance, as well as high-value aircraft portfolio M&A work. The team is experienced in handling warehouse and secured portfolio financings. The firm acts for an impressive number of stakeholders, including international banks and private equity firms, aircraft leasing companies and a range of airlines.
Work Highlights
- Milbank LLP advised the lenders in Griffin Global Asset Management's and Palisade Aviation Holdings Warehouse's upsize of their senior secured warehouse facility to $2 billion, adding new banking partners Citibank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking as well as an additional commitment from Bank of Montreal.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Milbank is a global practice with great, experienced practitioners."
"The Milbank team is among the best out there. They are very knowledgeable and creative problem-solvers."
"The firm is one of the best in the space."
"Milbank is a global practice with great, experienced practitioners."
"The Milbank team is among the best out there. They are very knowledgeable and creative problem-solvers."
"The firm is one of the best in the space."
Notable Practitioners
Drew Fine continues to be regarded as one of the most accomplished figures in the field. He is renowned internationally for his expertise in complex aviation financing agreements, including asset-backed securitizations.
"Drew is smart, commercial and a terrific lawyer."
James Pascale is a capital markets attorney with especial expertise in aviation financing. He is particularly notable for his knowledge and experience of Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate deals.
"Jim is an excellent lawyer."
Alexandra Johnson leads the firm's Global Transportation and Space Group. She expertly counsels an array of clients including lenders, issuers, borrowers and underwriters in a variety of complex international financial transactions.
"She is a fantastic attorney who is very collaborative."
Freyda Mechlowicz offers counsel to major banks and investment managers on various debt financings in the aviation sector. She is particularly recommended for her expertise in ABS transactions.
"Freyda is a great lawyer with a good commercial sense."
"She is incredibly smart and impressive."