Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7329 4422Chambers Review
Stephenson Harwood has an impressive asset finance practice with ability across shipping, rail and aviation matters. The firm's notable rail finance practice advises on rolling stock procurement and leasing structures. It handles strong shipping finance work with international banks and ship owners on tax leasing, restructurings and ship sale and purchase. The firm's experience in aviation deals includes financing for passenger and freight aircraft. It is also noted for its counsel on complex plant and machinery financings.
Work Highlights
- Stephenson Harwood advised the Chiltern Railway Company on the procurement of a new fleet of electric trains.
- Stephenson Harwood advised Nordea Bank Abp as the agent in the refinancing of 19 vessels.
- Stephenson Harwood advised Altavair on the USD1.2 billion conversion of ten Airbus aircraft into freight aircraft and the leasing of them to Amazon.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team at Stephenson Harwood is super strong and creative with complex matters."
"They are very good, with high attention to detail and good management of documentation."
"They are always extremely fast and responsive, with very good market knowledge."
"The team at Stephenson Harwood is super strong and creative with complex matters."
"They are very good, with high attention to detail and good management of documentation."
"They are always extremely fast and responsive, with very good market knowledge."
Notable Practitioners
Ian Mace has extensive experience regularly working with financial institutions and ship owners on large transactions, including the sale and leaseback of oil tankers and vessels. He heads the global ship finance group at the firm.
"Ian is one of the best practitioners in his field, with the right mix of thorough professionalism and sound commercial judgement."
"He is a great lawyer with strong knowledge and interest in the field."
Stuart McAlpine is an experienced practitioner who focuses on ship finance work. His practice includes advising clients on cross-border financings of LNG vessels. He has worked for notable clients including both commercial operators and intergovernmental organisations.
"He is very experienced in shipping and very capable of solving complicated and untested matters."
Julie Clegg is a partner in the firm's London office and has a notable ship financing practice. She handles various transactions, including loan facility agreements, with experience working on both hydrocarbon vessels and luxury ships.
James Collins is developing a strong aviation finance practice. He advises on a range of issues including sale and leasebacks, enforcement of contracts and syndicated facilities.
"He is a fantastic lawyer who provides an incredible service to his clients."
"He listens very well and always tries to find solutions even when there are roadblocks, which allows deals to progress."
"James provides an excellent service, with clear and easy-to-understand guidance."
Richard Parsons is the global head of aviation at the firm and adept at handling a range of transactions in the space. He often works with banks and operating lessors, regularly advising on purchases, conversions and lease agreements.
"Richard is an extremely hands-on partner who provides a high level of service to clients, combining accuracy and attention with strong commercial awareness."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stephenson Harwood LLP
UK-wide