Stephenson Harwood has a multifaceted aviation finance practice, advising on leasings, insolvency and aircraft repossession. In addition, the firm handles cross-border sale and leasebacks, syndicated loans and post-delivery financings of shipping assets for lenders, lessors, owners and operators. Practice head Simon Wong specialises in advising financiers, lessors and airlines across the spectrum of financing and leasing transactions, including Islamic financing and tax-based leasing. Fellow practice heads Hongkai Zhou and Elton Chan focus on shipping matters, advising banks, leasing companies and shipowners. Louis Ng is an experienced member of the team acting on aircraft acquisitions, lease novation and restructurings.
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Work Department
Finance
Position
Partner
Career
Simon specialises in aircraft financing, leasing and trading relating to both commercial aircraft and business jets. He also handles aviation joint ventures, aviation funds, Islamic financing, equipment leasing and general banking work. Simon’s main clients are international aircraft lessors and financiers in the PRC and in Europe.
Simon is a partner at our Hong Kong office, specialising in aviation law and asset finance. He has advised financiers, lessors, airlines and aircraft owners on various types of aircraft financing transactions (including syndicated loans, pre-delivery financing, off-balance sheet financing, Islamic financing and ECA financing), cross-border leasing transactions (including operating leases, finance leases, sale and leasebacks, tax-based leases and domestic PRC operating leases utilising the Tianjin SPV structure), commercial aircraft fleet acquisition projects, aircraft lease novation, engine and cabin equipment purchases, power-by-the-hour arrangements, sale and purchase of used aircraft and aircraft holding companies, aviation joint ventures in Mainland China, licensing arrangements and restructuring of tax leases.
He recently acted for a policy bank in China in a financing transaction involving eight aircraft on-leased to six airlines across the globe, including various flag carriers and fast developing low cost carriers. He also advised a major aircraft lessor in the establishment of an offshore leasing platform and the acquisition of its aircraft portfolio.
Simon acts for some of the most active aircraft lessors in China in cross-border aircraft leasing and financing transactions. These transactions involved complex negotiations when looking at it from a commercial, engineering and legal perspective. On the business jet side, Simon acts for many operators and aircraft owners in the region.
Languages
English, Mandarin, Cantonese
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The law firm can provide constructive legal advice on innovative structured financing and offer professional advice tailored to the client's specific needs.'
'Raina Xian is very professional and efficient in answering questions.'
'The team demonstrates exceptional capabilities in aircraft leasing, financing, and related litigation and non-litigation areas.'
'They provide professional advice immediately and offer in-depth interpretations of transaction arrangements and contract terms, helping companies make the most reasonable decisions.'
‘The team, led by Simon Wong, and supported by Louis Ng and Raina Xian, frequently work alongside major international banks, and have a deep understanding of the banks' needs and requirements.’
‘Simon Wong has deep knowledge of the aviation industry. He is an efficient and practical lawyer, with a keen focus on moving the transaction from beginning to completion.'
‘Elton Chan stands out substantially. Responsive, innovative, prompt, flexible, and right to the point.’
‘Stephenson Harwood demonstrates exceptional strength in advising on asset finance matters involving airlines undergoing restructuring or financial distress.'
Key clients
- ICBC Aviation Leasing The Export-Import Bank of China CIB Leasing