Rising Stars

Firms in the Spotlight Transport

Anne O'Connell Solicitors

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Anne O’Connell Solicitors (AOC Solicitors) is a leading and award-winning Irish specialist Employment Law firm which was established in 2017 by our Principal, Anne O’Connell.

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Transport in Ireland

A&L Goodbody LLP

A&L Goodbody LLP‘s ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ transport practice spans the aviation, shipping, road and rail sectors. The firm is renowned for its prowess in aviation finance, where Marie O’Brien, Séamus Ó Cróinín, Maria McElhinney, who returned to the Dublin office in June 2023, and new partner Keith Mulhern advise many of the market’s key players on the acquisition, leasing and financing of aircraft. Vincent Power SC is the main contact for shipping matters, with an emphasis on EU law advice and litigation. Conor Owens and Jamie Rattigan, who also recently joined the partnership ranks, are currently advising on high-profile transport infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail sector.

Practice head(s):

Marie O’Brien; Vincent Power SC; Conor Owens


Other key lawyers:

Séamus Ó Cróinín; Maria McElhinney; Enda O’Keeffe; Keith Mulhern; Jamie Rattigan


Testimonials

‘Great team.’

‘Vincent Power stands out. He is the number one in Ireland.’

‘A&L Goodbody has the best transport practice – they are extremely knowledgeable on the most complex Irish law issues.’

‘Marie O’Brien and Séamus Ó Cróinín are excellent at problem-solving and very creative.’

Key clients

AASET 2022-1 Limited and AASET 2022-1 LLC


ASL Aviation Holdings Designated Activity Company


daa


Griffin Global Asset Management


High Ridge Aviation Limited


Irish Aviation Authority


Irish Ferries


Macquarie AirFinance Holdings Limited


MAN SE and MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH


Palm Capital


PIMCO LLC


Qatar National Bank, London branch


Seraph Aviation Group Ltd


The European Investment Bank


Timisoara International Airport


Transport Infrastructure Ireland


Volkswagen Group


Work highlights


  • Advising Transport Infrastructure Ireland on the procurement and construction of the new MetroLink project, valued at over €3,500,000,000.
  • Advising Macquarie Airfinance Group as Irish counsel on the acquisition and financing aspects of a portfolio of 53 aircraft from Alafco Aviation Lease & Finance Co.
  • Advising Irish Ferries on the first-ever preliminary reference from across the European Union to the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the Maritime Passenger Rights Regulation (Regulation 1177/2010).

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox fields a ‘highly skilled and proficient‘ transport team which advises leading clients in the aviation, rail, road and shipping sectors on a wide range of finance, regulatory, projects, procurement and litigation matters. Practice head Aaron Boyle is widely recognised for his experience of handling project finance, procurement and PPP mandates across the transport sector, while Niamh McGovern is also a key figure for transport infrastructure projects with growing expertise in electric vehicle charging regulations. In the aviation sector, the team is also well regarded for its strength in complex financing transactions, acting for airlines, banks and aircraft leasing companies; the ‘excellentRuth Lillis and Fintan Kerins are the names to note here.

Practice head(s):

Aaron Boyle


Other key lawyers:

Niamh McGovern; Ruth Lillis; Fintan Kerins


Testimonials

‘The practice is very client driven and works on multiple projects at once with complete professionalism, collaboration and dedication.’

‘The lawyers are the best in their field – highly skilled and proficient.’

‘Very capable, partner-led aviation team. They have a can-do attitude and are very responsive.’

‘Pragmatic and client-oriented approach to all legal services provided.’

‘Ruth Lillis is an excellent partner – she provides adaptable, rigorous and timely advice, taking account of our business needs.’

Key clients

Acia Aero Capital


Aer Lingus


Air Europa


Alstom UK


Applegreen plc


Apollo Management


Applus


Arena Aviation Capital


Aviator Capital


Avic


AviLease


Bank of Communications


Bank of Ireland


BNP Paribas


Bramora Ltd.


Bremore Port


Celtic Roads Group


China Construction Bank (CCB)


China Merchant Bank


Commerzbank


Credit Suisse


Cubic Transportation Systems Limited


daa plc


European Investment Bank


Flexam Invest


GA Telesis LLC


Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail)


Keolis UK


Lobo Leasing


Lufthansa


M50 Concessions


Ryanair


Shannon Airport Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Ryanair plc on its €750 million unsecured revolving credit facility.
  • Advising Celtic Roads Group on all aspects of the financing, operation and maintenance of three PPP road projects: the M1, The M7/M8 and the N25.
  • Advised Apollo Global Management on the provision of a US$700m debtor-in-possession facility to SAS – Scandinavian Airlines as part of the airline’s Chapter 11 restructuring.

Matheson LLP

Matheson LLP stands out for its ‘immense strength and depth‘ in the transport sector, with a sizeable cross-departmental group that works alongside the firm’s transportation tax team to advise on aviation, shipping, road and rail matters. The firm houses a particularly strong offering in the aviation sector, where Rory McPhillips, Stuart Kennedy, Yvonne McWeeney and Stephen Gardiner are frequently called upon to handle complex financial transactions in addition to providing M&A and regulatory advice; the team is also experienced in the financing of rail and shipping assets. In the transport infrastructure space, Nicola Dunleavy SC, Garret Farrelly and Rhona Henry advise on planning and environmental, projects and construction issues, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Rory McPhillips; Stuart Kennedy; Nicola Dunleavy SC; Garret Farrelly; Rhona Henry


Other key lawyers:

Connor Blennerhassett


Testimonials

‘The Matheson team is approachable with strong aviation knowledge. I enjoy working with them on transactions – their client focus makes transaction run smoothly and efficiently.’

‘It is very apparent to the client that Stuart Kennedy, Yvonne McWeeney, Stephen Gardiner and Rory McPhillips actively work together to support each other to ensure that all deals are properly serviced and executed. I always feel when working with the team that there is a partner available to advise or support on any issue which we may have.’

‘Industry profile, knowledge and experience, combined with responsiveness and service orientation, makes the Matheson team stand out from their peers.’

‘I have always been impressed by the depth of knowledge and experience, in addition to the responsiveness, collaborative and solutions-driven approach of the Matheson team, and in particular Stephen Gardiner, Rory McPhillips and Yvonne McWeeney.’

‘The experience of the team is unique and unrivalled. They have immense strength and depth in the transport sector. Their knowledge and training in the sector is excellent. They provide practical advice and solutions to difficult problems. They work with the Matheson tax team to get clients to where they need to be in an efficient and cost-effective manner.’

‘Stuart Kennedy is excellent to work with. Very responsive and great quality of work.’

‘The Matheson team have extensive experience, knowledge and strong commercial acumen. The team are friendly, proactive and are always available to provide advice. They focus on solutions rather than highlighting problems and provide guidance every step of the way. Matheson are our go-to firm for legal advice.’

‘Stuart Kennedy has extensive knowledge about the aviation industry, providing an exceptional service and going the extra mile in terms of meeting clients’ needs. Stuart offers practical advice and is very astute to the commercial aspects. He is professional and patient when explaining complex legal issues, taking the time to ensure we are fully informed on all aspects of our deals.’

Key clients

FTAI Aviation


Aergo Capital Limited


Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA


CDB Aviation


UK Export Finance (UKEF)


CCB Aviation


Aviation Capital Group


AerCap


Castlelake, L.P.


LR AirFinance


Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)


Arctic Aviation Assets DAC


PK AirFinance


Jackson Square Aviation


Tokyo Century


Fortress Investment Group LLC


Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES)


Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (BoComm Leasing)


CMB Financial Leasing (CMB Aviation)


Azorra Aviation


Irving Oil Company Limited


Exolum Corporation, S.A.


Drogheda Port Company


Work highlights


  • Acting for ALAFCO on the sale to Macquarie of 53 current and next-generation commercial passenger aircraft and an order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (valued at USD 2.2bn).
  • Acting on an information barrier basis using two teams to advise Azorra Aviation and Voyager Aviation Holdings, LLC on the purchase by Azorra of substantially all of Voyager Aviation’s assets.
  • Advising Drogheda Port Company on the development of a new deep-water multi-modal port near Balbriggan, North Dublin.

McCann FitzGerald LLP

The multi-disciplinary transport team at McCann FitzGerald LLP is equipped to provide ‘exceptionally tailored‘ advice to clients throughout the sector, with notable expertise in advising state authorities on procurement, contractual and financing matters relating to bus and rail services and road infrastructure. The firm also has an impressive offering in the aviation sphere, where it is particularly well regarded for its ability to act as lead counsel on complex aviation finance deals. Catherine Deane, Hilary Marren, Georgina O’Riordan, Joe Fay, Richard Gill, Ian Payne and Laura Deignan are among the names to note for aircraft financing and leasing, while practice head Eamonn O’Hanrahan and Liane Egan frequently advise on public transport projects.

Practice head(s):

Eamonn O’Hanrahan


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Deane; Hilary Marren; Joe Fay; Georgina O’Riordan; Colm Fanning; Richard Gill; Laura Deignan; Ian Payne; Liane Egan


Testimonials

‘I find McCann FitzGerald’s knowledge of the industry to be of a high level. They give clients confidence in the advice they give.’

‘Laura Deignan in particular is very responsive and has great communication skills – she is simply fantastic.’

‘The team led by Catherine Deane, Georgina O’Riordan, Laura Deignan and Ian Payne is technically excellent.’

‘Exceptionally responsive, considerate, flexible and involved in any matter they are engaged on.’

‘The individuals at this firm provide an exceptionally tailored service depending on the specific matter or challenges or individuals involved without having any compromise on service or results.’

Key clients

Transport Infrastructure Ireland


National Transport Authority


Road Safety Authority


Galway County Council


Abelo Capital Aviation Management Limited


AerCap


AerDragon Aviation Partners Limited


AerSale Inc.


Aircastle Advisor LLC


Altavair/Guggenheim


Altitude Investors DACf


Apollo Global Management


ASL Aviation


Avia Solutions Group (ASG) PLC


Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi


BBAM Aviation Services Limited


BOC Aviation Leasing


Calliston GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG


Cavic Aviation Leasing (Ireland) Co. DAC


CDB Aviation Leasing


Challey Limited


CHC Group LLC


CIAF Leasing


Credit Agricole


Delaware Life Insurance Company


Deutsche Bank AG


Development Bank of Singapore Ltd


DNB Bank ASA


Doric Asset Finance GmbH & Co. KG


DVB Bank SE


Dynam Japan Holding Holdings Co., Ltd


EAVF II Aircraft Holdings Limited


EMP Aviation Ireland Limited


Fexco


FGL Aircraft Ireland (FUYO)


Fly Leasing Limited


FPG Amentum


Genesis Aircraft Services Limited


Guardian Holdings Limited


ING Bank N.V., Singapore Branch


Jackson Square Aviation Ireland Limited


KKR Altitude Holdings L.P.


Magnetar Capital


MUFG Bank, Ltd


NGF Overseas Aircraft Limited


Nordic Aviation Capital


Odeon International Holding B.V.


ORIX Aviation Systems Limited


Pembroke Capital/Standard Chartered Bank


Rockton AB


SAIC Holdings Limited


SAS


SATO Aviation Capital


Security Benefits Life Insurance Company


Sierra Echo Aircraft Leasing Limited


Sirius Aviation Capital Holdings Limited


Sky Aero Management Limited


Skyworks Leasing (Ireland) Limited


SMBC Aviation Capital


SolÉir Aviation Capital


ST Aerospace Resources Pte. Ltd


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


TATA SIA Airlines Limited (operating as Vistara)


Titan Aviation


Trustmark National Bank


Vistara


Viva Aerobus


Vueling Airlines, S.A.


Work highlights


  • Advised Transport Infrastructure Ireland on the deferral of certain increases in tolls charged across eight PPP toll roads.
  • Advised the National Transport Authority on its Connecting Ireland rural transport plan.
  • Advised AerCap in connection with its offering of $1 billion aggregate principal amount of the 5.750% unsecured senior notes due 2028.

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP delivers a broad, cross-departmental service to clients in the transport sector, ranging from major airlines and aircraft leasing companies to port and airport authorities and innovative transport platform providers. The firm has a strong presence in the aviation field; practice head David Maughan and Mary Ward have extensive experience of handling aircraft-related financing transactions and advising on the establishment of aircraft leasing companies and joint ventures, and the team’s expertise in the sector also extends to M&A, regulatory issues and high-profile insolvencies and restructurings involving aviation companies. Projects and construction partner Jarleth Heneghan frequently advises on the development of transport infrastructure, and Garrett Breen is a key contact for contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

David Maughan


Other key lawyers:

Mary Ward; Jarleth Heneghan; Garrett Breen; Leo Moore; Cassandra Byrne


Key clients

Aer Lingus


Aer Dragon Aviation


Aergo


Airbus


Aircraft Purchase Fleet Limited


Asia Aviation Capital


British Airways


Cathay United Bank


CityJet


Credit Agricole CIB


Dublin Airport Authority


Dublin Port Company


Emirates Airlines


Fingal County Council


FREE NOW


Goshawk Aviation Limited


Hamden Aviation


Hammerson


IAG


Montrose Global Aircraft Leasing and Subsidiaries


Natixis


Nordic Aviation Capital


Ping An Leasing


PK AirFinance


Volkswagen


Porsche


Landesbank Hessen Thüringen Girozentrale


Work highlights


  • Defending a major truck manufacturer against competition damages claims brought by thousands of hauliers in over 25 countries who purchased trucks.
  • Advising Circle K (formerly Topaz) in relation to its participation in the Motorway Service Areas PPP Project – Tranche 2 and its appointment of design and build contractors and operations and maintenance contractors.
  • Acted for Aer Lingus in complex High Court proceedings brought by the joint liquidators of USIT (one of Ireland’s largest tour operator companies) and School and Group Tours Limited against a number of international airlines relating to the treatment of refund payments for flights reserved booked prior to USIT entering into liquidation.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland‘s transport team focuses on projects and concessions, with particular expertise in the public transport sector and in port and airport-related work. In addition to advising on tenders for transport infrastructure and services projects, the firm handles a wide range of planning, environmental, litigation, and health and safety matters in this field. At the head of the practice, Peter Curran provides ‘on-point, precise advice‘ to public and private entities in the transport sector on procurement, commercial contracts and regulatory matters, while Mark Varian takes the lead on transport infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Peter Curran; Mark Varian


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Barry; Aonghus McClafferty


Testimonials

‘Aonghus McClafferty worked exceptionally hard on litigation matters in a very high-pressured, compressed timescale. His efforts and constant engagement resulted in a positive outcome and enabled me to keep senior management well informed.’

‘The entire team is extremely well organized and the collaboration between different teams in the firm works effortlessly.’

‘Peter Curran provides the best and most on-point, precise advice a client can wish for. He quickly gives foreign clients a clear image of the legal and practical situation in Ireland and helps to pursue goals efficiently.’

‘Provided clear advice, whilst also helping to find solutions.’

‘Good market knowledge and an understanding of client requirements. Always willing to collaborate and bring additional expertise to the conversation. Adjusted well to remote meetings and good use of technology to share documents and track activity.’

‘Strong knowledge of key focus areas such as public procurement and competition law. Possess excellent commercial acumen and a deep understanding of our business. Always on-hand to advise our business on business and contractual/commercial direction. Ability to build a strong competent legal team to lead a case.’

Key clients

ACA Airport Coordination Limited


Apcoa Parking Services


Astral Aviation Limited


BBL Logistics Limited


Bristow Helicopters Limited


CIE


CMA CGM Shipping (Ireland)


Conduent Solutions


Countrywide Freight Group Holdings Limited


Department of Transport


Designa


Dublin Airport Authority


Dachser Group SE & KG


Doyle Shipping Group Unlimited Company


Dublin Port


Emovis Operations Ireland Limited


Euroroute Logistics Limited


FedEx Express Ireland Limited


Fedex Express UK Limited


Fimak Group Limited


Hannon Transport Limited


IALPA


INIT Innovative Inforatikanwendungen in Trasport- Verkehrs- und Leitsystemen GmbH


Irish Ferries Pension Trustee DAC


Johnston Logistics Limited


Lookers Plc


Nippon Express (Ireland) Ltd


Speedy Hire (Ireland) Limited


Swissport Ireland Limited


Boeing


Trustees of the CIE Superannaution Scheme 1951


Turkish Airlines Inc Ireland


UTS Technologies


Verisure Ireland DAC


Yunex Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Bristow Group (a provider of search and rescue services) on its tender to the Department of Transport in Ireland for the national air and sea rescue contract, valued at €800 million.
  • Advising NPHDB on all aspects of its procurement of a 30-year concession to operate a 994-space car park at the new National Children’s Hospital in Dublin.
  • Advising Conduent on all aspects of its bid for the €3 billion Next Generation Ticketing project being procured currently by the National Transport Authority.

Kennedys

Kennedys has a strong reputation as ‘simply the premier shipping firm in Ireland‘ and is highly skilled in litigation relating to personal injury, collisions, cargo, salvage and damages, with an emphasis on acting for major insurers. The team’s offering in the transport sector also extends to high-profile aviation and road-related disputes. The ‘incredibly responsiveHugh Kennedy, who is renowned for his expertise in the maritime sector, leads the team. Andrew McGahey and Catherine Lyons are the key contacts for contentious aviation matters, including crew, cargo and passenger claims.

Practice head(s):

Hugh Kennedy


Other key lawyers:

Andrew McGahey; Catherine Lyons; Steven Colgan


Testimonials

‘Full-service provider for transportation law – they know it all!’

‘They provide excellent advice that is tailored to meet the exact needs of the transportation and shipping industry.’

‘Hugh Kennedy was incredibly responsive and available whenever we needed him.’

‘Hugh Kennedy is one of the best maritime lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He’s quick to reply, commercial and very cost effective.’

‘Simply the premier shipping firm in Ireland.’

‘Hugh Kennedy is personable, quick and good value. His advice is succinct, clear and well-informed. A delight to work with.’

Key clients

Amlin


British Marine P&I


Brittany Ferries


C H Robinson


CLDN


Etihad Airways


Gard P&I


Irish Ferries


Irish International Freight Association


Northern Marine Underwriters


P&O Ferries


Samskip


Skuld P&I Club


Standard P&I Club


TUI Travel PLC


WE Cox


World Fuel Services


Work highlights


  • Instructed by insurers to defend ship-owner COSCO Shipping Captive Insurance Co. following a collision between a COSCO vessel and a French fishing vessel off the coast of Ireland.
  • Instructed by Shipowners P&I Club to defend a ferry company which has been erroneously accused of causing a personal injury aboard one of its vessels.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP‘s transport team stands out for its expertise in the aviation sector, where its practice was significantly bolstered by the arrivals of David McGovern, who joined from Walkers in August 2022, and Julie-Ann Sherry, from an in-house role in August 2023. The team is frequently active in advising on complex aviation finance transactions, in addition to handling high-profile litigation in the sector. The firm also has a presence in shipping matters, where construction partner Rory Kirrane SC takes the lead. Firm chair Christine O’Donovan is also highly regarded for aviation finance.

Practice head(s):

David McGovern; Rory Kirrane SC


Other key lawyers:

Christine O’Donovan; Julie-Ann Sherry


Testimonials

‘A very professional and experienced team. They go above and beyond in delivering their services. Seems to be a happy team and that makes working with them very nice. Very responsive and one of the best in the industry. Proud to use them.’

‘David McGovern is very commercially driven and his attention to detail is unique.’

Key clients

CDB Aviation Lease Finance DAC


BAM Civil Limited


Dragados Ireland Limited and Dragados S.A.


Traffic Tech Europe Ltd


DHL Supply Chain (Ireland) Limited


Irish Life Assurance plc


Irish Aviation Authority


FBD Insurance


Export Development Canada


Zurich Insurance


Bolt ITZ Limited and Bolt Operations OU


Work highlights


  • Representing CDB Aviation Lease Finance DAC in multimillion-euro insurance coverage litigation against London and international insurers in the Irish Commercial Court, under its contingent and possessed insurance cover, arising out of the loss of several CDB-owned aircraft due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
  • Representing BAM and Dragados, the joint venture responsible for the design and construction of the N25 New Ross Bypass PPP Scheme, in complex, multi-party Commercial Court proceedings associated with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge.
  • Advising DHL Supply Chain (Ireland) Limited on the procurement of fit out works at a new logistics facility at Unit 1, Quantum Logistics Park, Dublin.