Asset Finance: Aviation Finance
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7814 8000About
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
With asset finance lawyers in all 19 of the firm’s offices, WFW has more specialist asset finance partners than any other international law firm. In addition to the size of our practice, the WFW Asset Finance team has a depth of experience, breadth of expertise and level of sophistication in our work that makes WFW stand out from other firms.
Maritime
WFW possesses the largest dedicated maritime finance legal team of any firm in the world, advising in every segment of the shipping industry, including wet and dry bulk, containers and container boxes, drilling rigs and offshore support vessels, cruise, yachts and ferries. Beyond purely maritime transport, our team also has considerable expertise in related sectors such as offshore oil and gas, LNG and ports and logistics.
Aviation
WFW’s aviation finance team is the largest in the UK, the largest in Europe, the largest in Asia, and the largest globally, by both partner and associate headcount. The team has a world-class reputation and comprises leading lawyers with a thorough understanding of the latest developments in the sector. The team have advised on many of the industry’s award-winning and high-profile transactions. WFW are on the legal panel for more aviation financiers than any other law firm. We were also recently re-appointed to the prestigious European ECA panel.
Rail
WFW has a growing Rail practice and already advises key players, both operators and financiers.
Chambers Review
Watson Farley & Williams has a highly regarded shipping finance practice with additional capability in aviation financing matters. The firm works on large cross-border financing structures for shipping and offshore clients, including asset sales, structured securitisations, and sale and leasebacks. It is regularly sought after for its advice in relation to matters concerning offshore oil and gas, LNG, and ports and logistics. The firm's aviation financing expertise includes work relating to commercial aircraft, corporate jets and helicopters.
Work Highlights
- Watson Farley & Williams advised Avolon on its order of 100 A321neo aircraft from Airbus.
- Watson Farley & Williams advised Navigator Holdings on a USD200 million loan agreement for the financing of ten vessels.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Watson Farley & Williams have an ability to work on complex and often challenging transactions, being able to balance the legal and commercial aspects well."
"Watson Farley & Williams are able to put in place and negotiate sophisticated asset financing."
"The partners are hands-on, and the team has real depth on a global basis."
"They are extremely quick to respond and always available."
"Watson Farley & Williams have an ability to work on complex and often challenging transactions, being able to balance the legal and commercial aspects well."
"Watson Farley & Williams are able to put in place and negotiate sophisticated asset financing."
"The partners are hands-on, and the team has real depth on a global basis."
"They are extremely quick to respond and always available."
Notable Practitioners
Senior adviser Nigel Thomas is an experienced practitioner who specialises in shipping finance. He has strong capabilities in cruise ship and offshore financing.
Lindsey Keeble is managing partner of the firm. She has an established practice in shipping finance and advises clients on ECA-backed debt financing facilities and loan refinancings.
"Lindsey's experience within the shipping sector is strongly evidenced in all the work she does."
"Her knowledge and experience makes her the best asset you can have on your side for any transaction."
Jim Bell is global co-head of aviation at the firm. He has notable experience working on structured and asset finance transactions and advises on the acquisition and financing of aircraft.
"Jim is our go-to partner. He is accessible, commercial and an excellent problem solver."
"He is a fountain of knowledge on all things aviation finance and is the first person I go to with questions."
Dominic Pearson is an experienced lawyer recognised for his work in aviation finance. He represents creditors, banks and lessors in fleet transactions, sale and leaseback transactions, and airline restructurings.
"Dominic always provides a high level of service and support. having a good awareness of the industry and key issues."
"He is very thorough, knowledgeable and commercially aware."
"He knows exactly when to weigh in and intervene."
Kavita Shah has prowess in maritime asset finance, often representing creditors. She is experienced in portfolio acquisitions, refinancing and credit facilities.
"Kavita always presents an efficient and responsive approach to transactions."
Patrick Moore has a comprehensive aviation practice, often representing banks, operators and other investors. He handles a range of transactions, including acquisitions, financing and leasing of aircraft, as well as due diligence for M&A matters.
"He's very hands-on with clients and detail-oriented. You can tell he has a genuine interest in the aviation industry."
"We are always very satisfied by his interventions and advice for us."
"Patrick is commercially savvy and technically astute. He communicates well to us and our counterparties."
Ranked Lawyers at
Watson Farley & Williams
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
Chris Mitchell
Frank Dunne
Gary Walsh
George Macheras
Joe McGladdery
Kavita Shah
Louise Mor
Lucy Shtenko
Maren Brandes
Michael O'Donnell
Nicola Davies
Patrick Kirkby
Patrick Smith
Richard Dibble
Robert Platt
Simon Kavanagh
Toby Royal
Clients
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
BNP Paribas
CIT
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
DVB Bank
Golar LNG
HSH Nordbank
ING Bank
Macquarie Bank Limited
Sovcomflot Group of Companies
Teekay Tankers Ltd
Industries
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
Aviation
Maritime
Rail