A leader in the region, Baker McKenzie’s asset finance group represents major airlines, lessees, lessors and lenders. With its ‘globally integrated approach’, the firm draws on its extensive Asian and global networks; engaging its aviation finance practitioners in complex assignments involving the financing, leasing, restructuring and the granting and enforcement of security in relation to aircraft and corporate jets. With over three decades of experience in aviation finance, Andrew Lockhart heads the group, focusing his practice on asset and structured finance matters. Acting for major airlines in China in relation to aircraft transactions is a sweet spot for Allen Ng. Other key contacts in the group include Jane Wang and William Turner.

Counting airlines, lessors, banks and financial institutions among its key roster of clients, Clyde & Co LLP is well-placed to operate across multiple jurisdictions, spanning mainland China, Singapore, and Australia, advising on commercial and business aircraft finance matters, refinancings, leasing issues, sales and purchase transactions. Stuart Miller, who has considerable experience advising on commercial aircraft and private jet aircraft mandates, jointly leads the team alongside Fei Kwok, whose focus lies in catering to clients with a PRC emphasis on a cross-border basis, including assisting Chinese companies entering Asian markets and those engaged in Sino-foreign joint venture projects in China.

The addition of Conor Warde from Mayer Brown in February 2023 has significantly revitalised CMS’s shipping finance practice. Tim Elliott leads the practice, sharing the helm with Warde, who contributes his expertise in advising clients on transactional, corporate, regulatory, and policy matters within ship finance and maritime transactions. Elliott’s specialisation spans a wide array of debt and leasing transactions across various asset classes, with a particular emphasis on offshore oil and gas shipping. London-based consultant Keith Wilson handles some Asia-related aviation finance and leasing work.

The team at HFW is noted for its ‘comprehensive knowledge’ of the transport industry and is well-placed to provide ‘professional legal advice and feasible solutions’ to a range of large-scale airlines and lessors operating in Greater China. Justin Sun heads up the aviation finance practice and handles a broad range of aviation finance transactions, including aircraft finance, leasing, trading and repossession matters. Patrick Cheung spearheads the Hong Kong and China shipping finance practice, and boasts a robust non-contentious offering.

Ince & Co acts for lessors, financiers, airlines, business jet managers, MRO service providers, OEMs and airports on a broad range of matters, from cross-border operating leases, finance leases, sale and leasebacks to syndicated financing secured by aircraft, ECA financing and aircraft lease novations, among others. The team also houses a strong business aviation practice, with demonstrable experience in corporate jet acquisition, finance and management mandates. Tonny Lee is a key contact in the team.

Counting commercial banks, ECAs, lessors, and airlines among its key roster of clients, the team at King & Wood Mallesons advises on the full range of aviation financial product offerings. Notably, the team has been actively engaged in assisting with the recovery of the Hong Kong and Asian aviation industry which stands as a testament to its robust Asian and mainland China resources. Ashley Wong, who advises on asset finance and aviation transactions, jointly leads the team alongside Katherine Ke, who represents PRC and international lessors and financiers in the leasing and financing of commercial aircraft and business jets.

Strategically positioned within a globally interconnected network, the team at Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP maintains notably strong ties with numerous regional shipowners, who reap the benefits of the firm’s extensive industry knowledge, including its acumen in offshore and LNG matters. The team has the capability to provide guidance across key industry sectors, encompassing equipment financing, commodities, offshore construction, and energy; this depth of expertise extends across a wide array of financing techniques. Heading the team is Peter Lee, renowned for his extensive expertise in non-contentious shipping transactions, particularly for Chinese shipowners and PRC leasing companies involved in a diverse range of sale and purchase transactions. Lianjun Li also co-leads the team, and is a highly seasoned arbitrator and litigator, recognised as a go-to adviser for international shipping matters. Tat Pan, splitting his time between Hong Kong and Shanghai, complements Lee’s efforts by providing support in matters involving the sale and purchase, as well as lease and loan financing, of ships and containers.

With a fine record in advising on various aircraft financing transactions, such as restructuring, lease financing, and LIBOR transition, particularly those involving China, and the capability to draw upon the expertise of its offices across the Asia Pacific and Australia, the team at Tiang & Partners continues to assist a diverse client base, which includes banks, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals. A significant aspect highly valued by clients is the firm’s association with PwC, which provides the team with ‘access to a lot of industry knowledge’ by leveraging the expertise of PwC professionals in areas such as tax and accounting. Praised as a ‘commercial and innovative practitioner’, Tejaswi Nimmagadda leads the team and frequently represents financiers, lessors, airlines, and operators, making him especially well-equipped to provide guidance on intricate bespoke mandates, including those related to ESG and sanctions matters.