Aviation: Finance (International Firms) | Greater China Region

Clifford Chance's asset finance group is highly recommended for its ability to handle cross-border aviation financings, with considerable depth of expertise for matters involving the PRC, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Indonesia and the USA, thus highlighting its strong regional presence. Its full spectrum of services attracts many lessors and lenders, ranging from JOLCO structures and lease restructuring to airline insolvency-related issues and joint venture matters. It is also well placed to advise on asset-based securitisations and other capital market financing structures. Key clients include CK Asset Holdings, CDB Aviation and Goshawk Aviation.

Mayer Brown fields an eminent aviation practice offering a diverse range of expertise in commercial and private jet financing, and all aspects of aircraft leasing, purchases and disposals. It remains a counsel of choice for an impressive roster of major airlines, lessors and banks and has a strong track record on cross-border mandates throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with experience advising on matters relating to Singapore. Its clients further benefit from its high levels of experience in corporate and dispute resolution in the sector. Mayer Brown regularly assists on large sale and leaseback transactions, as well as contractual agreements for various aircraft components.

King & Wood Mallesons is a full-service firm that fields an aviation team that provides wide expertise in structured asset financing and leasing, involving commercial and corporate aircraft. It regularly acts on behalf of manufacturers, arrangers, lessors, financiers and airlines. The team is adept at leading finance and leasing matters as well as refinancing mandates. It also draws strength from its international capabilities to assist with large cross-border finance transactions.

A&O Shearman is well reputed for advising on matters in the PRC aviation market from its Beijing and Shanghai offices. It continues to attract mandates from a number of banks, financiers, leasing companies and airlines due to its expertise in handling complex and high-value transactions, such as portfolio financings. A&O Shearman is a strong choice for cross-border financing mandates, bolstered by its international footprint. The practice offers additional expertise assisting clients with acquisition financing. Its key clients include Asian Development Bank, CMB Leasing and Cathay Pacific Airways. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Stephenson Harwood possesses an on-the-ground finance team which is well recognised for its focus on the PRC market, representing major banks, leasing companies and airlines. It also handles deals elsewhere in Asia, with recent experience advising on matters relating to Korea, India and Japan. The team is highlighted for its expertise on financing mandates as well as receiving instructions from financiers and airlines on commercial and business jet transactions. It is additionally competent at providing advice on a wide range of financing transactions within the aviation sector, including Islamic financing and JOLCO arrangements. It is adept at advising on the refinancing of aircraft fleets.