McCann FitzGerald LLP has extensive expertise across the aviation finance sector, advising on the establishment of aviation platforms in Ireland, aviation M&A, as well as corporate reorganisations and restructurings. The practice is co-led by a wide group of individuals: Laura Deignan, who focuses on aircraft finance and leasing; Colm Fanning, who is closely involved in major infrastructure projects; Joe Fay, who has a focus on banking and asset finance; Richard Gill, who is well-versed in cross-border aircraft portfolio financings; Hilary Marren, with a strong track record in advising prominent lessors, financiers and export credit agencies; Ronan Murphy, who is experienced in representing both purchasers and sellers of commercial aircraft; Georgina O’Riordan, who acts for leading lessors, arrangers and lenders across financing and leasing mandates; and Ian Payne, who covers the full life cycle of aircraft transactions. Also recommended is Kate Clancy, who is noted for her focus on banking, aviation finance and asset leasing matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Georgina O'Riordan is excellent. She combines deep legal expertise with strong commercial acumen, offering pragmatic, solutions-focused advice.'
- 'Georgina O'Riordan, Ian Payne, Laura Deignan - a great team to work with who clearly look after their associates very well and train them brilliantly. Industry knowledge is exceptional, and they are brilliant on detail.'
- 'Great knowledge, depth and transaction management capabilities. Fully embedded in our company's way of thinking and doing business. Can see around corners on deals to make everything run as smoothly as possible.'
- 'Ian Payne is a fantastic lawyer to have in your corner on a deal. He is a commercially-minded lawyer who also possesses excellent drafting skills and attention to detail. Great negotiator who consistently meets agreed closing deadlines.'
- 'Strength of Asset Finance Industry experience. Advisers to leading global industry participants.'
- 'Professional, knowledgeable, business-focused associates led by Joe Fay and Hilary Marren.'
- 'The Asset Finance team in McCann FitzGerald provides an excellent service and is always very responsive. Legal advice and technical drafting are of the highest standard while also being mindful of our commercial aims. There is a good depth of market knowledge across the team. Very good access to partner-level input where required.'
- 'The team was excellent throughout – well-coordinated, appropriately resourced, and responsive at every stage.'
- Ian Payne is a fantastic lawyer to have in your corner on a deal. He is a commercially-minded lawyer who also possesses excellent drafting skills and attention to detail. He is a great negotiator who consistently meets agreed closing deadlines.
- Great knowledge, depth, and transaction management capabilities. Fully embedded in our company's way of thinking and doing business. Can see around corners on deals to make everything run as smoothly as possible.
Key clients
- AerCap Holdings N.V.
- AIP Capital
- Aircastle Advisor LLC
- BBAM US LP
- FPG Amentum Limited
- Genesis Aircraft Services Limited
- Scandinavian Airline System
- Sirius Aviation Capital
- Sky Leasing
- SMBC Aviation Capital
- Abelo Capital Aviation Management Limited
- Altavair
- Air Lease Corporation
- Avia Solutions Group plc
- Aviation Capital Group
- BOC Aviation
- Cavic Aviation Leasing (Ireland) Co. DAC
- CDB Aviation Leasing
- Crédit Agricole-CIB
- Dynam Aviation Ireland Limited
Work highlights
Advised on AerCap Holdings N.V.’s debt capital markets activity which has issued instruments totalling $4.9bn including its inaugural benchmark Sukuk issuance of $500m, priced at a profit rate of 4.500% with a five-year maturity period.
Advised BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management in connection with the Horizon 2024-1 ABS.
Advised AerCap, Aircastle, Genesis Aviation Services Limited, Sirius Aviation Capital, Sky Leasing and SMBC Aviation Capital on their strategic sales and purchases of portfolios of on-lease aircraft assets.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Laura Deignan; Colm Fanning; Joe Fay; Richard Gill; Hilary Marren; Ronan Murphy; Georgina O’Riordan; Ian Payne
Other key lawyers
Kate Clancy