Department profile
Reed Smith LLP

Asset Finance: Aviation Finance

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Reed Smith LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Asset Finance: Aviation Finance - UK-wide

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Reed Smith has a notable shipping practice that works with private equity funds and financial institutions on offshore and shipping finance matters. The firm offers expertise in areas including shipbuilding-related financing issues and loan portfolio transactions. Its noteworthy aviation practice has experience advising on the refinancing and acquisition of loans, advising on the sale or lease of engines and general aircraft transactions. The firm maintains a global practice, with a network of offices in Singapore, Germany, New York and Hong Kong.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Reed Smith are able to prioritise us and our deals when needed. They have been able to assist with closings in a timely manner.

    Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

  • They have depth and breadth of experience.

    Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

  • What truly sets this department apart is their ability to consistently deliver under tight deadlines in an efficient and highly organised manner.

    Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

  • Reed Smith has a high level of responsiveness from associates to partners and a practical approach to how to solve issues.

    Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

  • Reed Smith dissect the issues in a way that allows them to be addressed in their simplest form.

    Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Richard Hakes
    Richard Hakes

    Richard Hakes

    Richard Hakes, the global chair of transportation at the firm, demonstrates experience handling a variety of aviation finance matters including securitisations and restructurings. He frequently acts on behalf of airlines and banks, among other clients.

    • Richard has very strong personal skills and is well connected in the aviation market from a commercial perspective.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

    • He is able to solve critical problems within a very limited timeframe. He is always available, accurate, and it is very pleasant to deal with him.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

    • Richard's communication, attention to detail, and commercial judgement have been consistently impressive throughout our engagements.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK
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  • Rob Wilkins
    Rob Wilkins

    Rob Wilkins

    Rob Wilkins chairs the transportation industry group at the firm. He demonstrates an impressive portfolio of transactional shipping work, including shipbuilding contracts, large restructurings and M&A.

    • Rob is excellent on complicated transactions.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK
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  • Philip Rymer
    Philip Rymer

    Philip Rymer

    Philip Rymer specialises in shipping finance and has a wealth of experience instructing lenders, owners and investors on shipping transactions. He advises on matters such as vessel acquisitions and sales and tanker chartering.

    • Philip is super on financings.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK
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  • Christopher Jackson
    Christopher Jackson

    Christopher Jackson

    Christopher Jackson regularly advises clients on leasings and financings related to aircraft and aircraft engines. He is also experienced in advising on acquisitions and dispositions.

    • Chris is a very amiable and friendly character with a sharp commercial side that allows us to bring deals to successful closings on time and on budget.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

    • Chris is a pleasure to work with.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK

    • Chris is a very strong partner.

      Asset Finance: Aviation Finance respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Reed Smith LLP (4)

UK-wide

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