Mason Hayes & Curran LLP is widely recognised for its record in advising large ECAs, along with airlines and aircraft lessors. It has particular expertise in the Cape Town Convention and is further noted for expertise in securitisations, warehouse financings, and sale and leaseback transactions. David McGovern is an immensely experienced aviation finance specialist, along with Christine O’Donovan, who served as chair of the firm from 2020 to 2024.
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Profile
Work Department
Financial Services, Aviation
Position
Partner, Firm Chair
Career
Christine is our Chair of the firm and a partner in the International Asset Finance team. She is consistently recognised as an eminent lawyer in the financial services and aviation sectors.
Christine is renowned in the market for her pragmatic and commercial approach, particularly on challenging transactions. Her depth of expertise means that she is frequently able to pre-empt issues for clients.
Her award-winning practice focuses on international transactions in areas such corporate lending, project and acquisition finance and asset financing. She is a trusted advisor to domestic and international corporate clients, institutions and the aircraft industry.
Memberships
International Bar Association.
Education
University College Cork (LLB) University College Dublin (Dip Eur Law) Postgraduate study at York University-Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto Canada.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have worked with the MHC team for many years now, and they are our de facto Irish counsel for all aircraft related matters. They provide excellent service and value to our transactions, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to others looking for similar representation.’
‘Christine O'Donovan is our relationship partner and consistently rises above expectations. Her knowledge of Irish aviation matters is second to none.’
‘User friendly advice. MHC's regulatory practice complements the asset finance team as well.’
‘Very responsive, and proactive on transactions. They offer solutions to issues that arise and take the initiative when necessary, but will check in with us when required.’
‘David McGovern - excellent knowledge of the industry. Practical and solution focused. Andrea Gleasure - great attention to detail. Has initiative and will provide solutions.'
‘David McGovern is an excellent lawyer with the right mix of commercial knowledge, legal knowledge and client management skills.’
‘Christine O'Donovan is a very reassuring presence on our transactions. We know that with Christine involved the project will get done within the intended timeframe. Andrea Gleasure is also a very strong lawyer and provides the same level of expertise as we would expect to see at partner level.’
Key clients
- Shannon Engine Support
- Azorra Aviation Holdings
- CDB Aviation Lease Finance
- CALC Global Leasing
- BOC Aviation
- LEVL Leasing
- Fly4 Airlines Green
- CALC Global Leasing
- Investec Bank
Work highlights
Acted for Shannon Engine Support on its first secured engine portfolio financing of up to 40 new generation CFM manufactured LEAP engines.
Advised Azorra Aviation Holdings on its new $225m secured facility with Citibank as agent to part finance a portfolio of up to ten aircraft.
Acted for CDB Aviation Lease Finance in its claim seeking an indemnity from 21 different insurers arising from losses sustained from the leasing of nine aircraft to various Russian airlines.