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Norton Rose Fulbright

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In a league of its own,  Norton Rose Fulbright has been dominating the French aviation finance market for decades, owing to its large and highly experienced dedicated team that combine French and UK expertise. With access to a large international network, the team assists all the main French banks active in the field as well as international banks and French and international ECAs. It runs a very busy practice, regularly advising on the setting up of complex credit tax leases and ECA-backed transactions pertaining to commercial aircrafts as well as airline engines operated by major international airlines. The team also recently worked on the rehabilitation proceedings of a major international airline. The practice is headed by the highly regarded George Paterson. Also recommended are Sébastien Allain, Alexandre Roth and Alex Wass.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'By far, the 1st team in the market in aircraft financing. They have great experience, ECA references, in-depth knowledge and a depth of team that allows them to carry out missions within tight deadlines and to assist on complex missions, including on aspects bordering on "commercial". They also have local support through their worldwide offices.'

  • 'George Paterson is the reference in the market and one of the main international references.'

  • ‘Always willing to go extra mile for their clients’.

  • ‘The attention to detail, resourcefulness, and overall value that they provide has made them almost irreplaceable. Recommended to anyone looking for aviation counsel on either the lending or operator side of the transaction. ’

  • ‘Alex Wass is highly respected in the industry. Great responsiveness, quality of advice. ’

Key clients

  • CACIB
  • Société Générale
  • Toronto Dominion Bank
  • BNP Paribas
  • JP Morgan
  • Bank of America
  • Citibank
  • UKEF
  • Euler Hermes
  • BPI France
  • Natixis
  • Export Development Canada
  • Crédit Industriel et Commercial
  • La Banque Postale
  • MUFG

Work highlights

  • Advising Natixis and Nord LB on the Itasca-supported limited recourse financing of one 330-900 aircraft for Condor.
  • Advised on the French optimised lease entered into between a Natixis SPV as lessor and Virgin Atlantic as lessee.
  • Advising Euler Hermes in the support of Jolco financing of three Airbus a350 aircraft to Turkish airlines.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sébastien Allain
Norton Rose Fulbright

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

George Paterson

Other key lawyers

Sébastien Allain, Alexandre Roth, Alex Wass