An aviation finance powerhouse, Parra Rodríguez Abogados acts for major industry leaders on aircraft financing and leasing transactions, including global heavyweights such as AerCap, Avolon and SMBC Aviation. The team is additionally active on behalf of banks, investment funds, export credit agencies and borrowers. Among its highlights during 2024/25, the group secured key roles in a string of high-value, cross-border asset-based financings, including representing Nordea Bank in the refinancing of regasification vessel, Höegh Grace. Banking and finance head Bernardo Rodríguez Ossa is a go-to expert for asset-based finance; he co-led the Nordea Bank deal together with recently made up (June 2024) banking and finance partner César Barajas Ruiz. Further key contacts include Augusto Figueroa Sierra, whose broad experience encompasses finance, corporate and commercial, and administrative law matters; and senior associate Elisa Muskus Escamilla, whose work is concentrated in the banking and finance, and international law areas.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The best aviation finance team in Colombia without question.'
- 'Bernardo Rodriguez is the dean of the aviation finance bar in Colombia. Cesar Barajas is the next generation and the future leader of the aviation finance bar in Colombia.'
- 'Extremely efficient and knowledgeable team based in Bogota. Very flexible, responsive, and professional.'
- 'Bernardo Rodriguez Ossa and Cesar Barajas Ruiz have great client management skills, offering pro-active, detailed, and timely advice on corporate, finance, and aviation matters.'
- 'Extremely commercial and proactive approach.'
- 'Very solid legal knowledge combined with excellent commercial awareness and pragmatic approach.'
Key clients
- Nordea Bank
- Citibank
- Nitron Group
- JP Lease Products & Services
- Fuyo General Lease Co.
- Avolon
- Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU)
- AerCap
- PK AirFinance
- Engine Lease Finance Corporation
- Castlelake
- Macquarie AirFinance
Work highlights
Advised Nordea Bank on Colombian law matters and the structuring of security interests to secure payment obligations in the refinancing of the Höegh Grace regasification vessel.
Advised Citibank on a revolving credit facility for Colombia's largest air carrier, providing guidance on Colombian law, including the structuring and registration of security interests.
Acted as local counsel to JP Lease Products & Services and Hamburg Commercial Bank on converting four A320 operating leases into finance leases for the largest Colombian air carrier.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
César Barajas Ruiz
Practice head
Bernardo Rodríguez Ossa; César Barajas Ruiz; Elisa Muskus Escamilla