Department profile
Milbank LLP

Transportation: Aviation: Finance

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Milbank LLP

Rankings

About

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

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Aviation: Finance - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

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.

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Drew S Fine
    Band 1Drew S Fine

    Drew S Fine

    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.
  • Band 2Alexandra Johnson
    Band 2Alexandra Johnson

    Alexandra Johnson

    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.

  • Band 2Freyda Mechlowicz
    Band 2Freyda Mechlowicz

    Freyda Mechlowicz

    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 technical and thoughtful.

      Transportation: Aviation: Finance respondentUSA
  • Band 2James Pascale
    Band 2James Pascale

    James Pascale

    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.

Ranked Individuals at Milbank LLP (4)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Milbank LLP

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