Transportation: Aviation: Finance | USA

Clifford Chance is a distinguished aviation finance practice with extensive experience working on aviation capital markets transactions, securitizations, ECA financing and leasing matters. The firm frequently handles EETCs and acquisition financings. The team represents significant clients including government authorities, investment banks and operating lessors. It is able to draw upon resources of the wider firm for tax and corporate expertise.

Milbank 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.

Vedder Price is an acclaimed group skilled in an array of aviation finance matters including single-investor operating leases, progress payment facilities and secured loans. The firm is particularly noted for work with export credit agency-based financing transactions. It regularly represents aircraft operating lessors, manufacturers and financial institutions, as well as airlines and commercial banks.

Debevoise & Plimpton is a notable practice with experience representing airlines and financial institutions in a variety of aviation finance matters. It has capability in aircraft portfolio restructuring, export credit agency matters and EETC financing. The firm has further specific expertise in business jet purchasing and financing, as well as in airport infrastructure development work. Its client base includes airlines and aviation service providers.

Holland & Knight is a prominent practice with a deep bench of experienced practitioners with strong capability in the full range of aviation finance matters. Its areas of expertise include leasing and sales transactions, securitization and debt financing. The firm is recognized for proficiency in cross-border transactions for airlines and jet operators. It works with an impressive client roster that includes airlines, leasing companies and corporate jet operators. The team is able to draw on support from its nationwide network of offices, especially in New York and San Francisco.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed is a well-regarded practice with significant experience in asset-backed security transactions, EETC finance and aviation workouts and bankruptcies, among other matters. It is experienced in handling aviation-related M&A. The team offers unique strength advising a number of major global leasing companies, as well as airlines and lenders.

Norton Rose Fulbright represents significant aviation industry clients in matters including aircraft acquisitions, sales, leasing and all types of financing. Its areas of expertise include operating leases and M&A. The firm's clients include financiers, airlines and brokers. The team is particularly active in the Latin American market, as part of its substantial global presence.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is experienced in debt financing, leasing, aerospace procurements and corporate transactions in the aviation industry. Its clients include USA-based and international airlines, liquidity providers and rating agencies. Its areas of expertise include ECA financings and cross-border leasings. The firm also offers services related to lease portfolio securitizations.

Smith, Gambrell & Russell houses an established aviation finance group, acts for leasing companies and domestic airlines, as well as clients in the banking sector. Advises on operating leases, aircraft portfolio transactions, asset-backed securitizations and refinancings.

White & Case is a well-known practice with ability in a range of aviation finance matters including EETCs, Ex-Im bank deals and cross-border transactions. It is skilled in representing large domestic and international clients including banks, airlines and private equity interests. It is also well-versed in JOLCO and ANPI financings. The team's clients benefit from the firm's extensive global footprint, with a particular focus on the UK and Asian markets. It is able to advise on the full spectrum of matters, aided by complementary tax, banking, M&A and litigation teams.

Katten represents an impressive roster of clients including banks, airlines and hedge funds on a range of aviation financing matters. It is skilled in emerging market transactions, aircraft acquisitions and leasing structures. The firm has additional expertise in commercial fleet sales and financing. It is particularly active in bankruptcy and insolvency-related work, in addition to handling aircraft portfolio transactions.

Vinson & Elkins LLP boasts strong capabilities in aviation finance and acts for the full spectrum of sector participants. The team exhibits strength in warehouse facilities, secured notes and restructurings, among other matters.

Winstead represents airlines in matters relating to aircraft leasing and acquisitions. The firm is particularly noted for its work with domestic airlines.