Holland & Knight (UK) LLP is regularly retained by investment managers, banks, financial institutions, and leasing companies to advise on high-value aviation and shipping finance transactions. The team also assists in restructurings and insolvencies, including U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings and sanctions-related issues, and handles lease terminations, asset sales, insurance recoveries, and enforcement strategies. Practice head Victoria Koob brings deep expertise in the transportation sector, advising on cross-border aircraft and helicopter financings, operating and finance leases, fleet acquisitions and disposals, and delivery and pre-delivery payment structures. Richard Sharman’s aviation finance practice encompasses secured financing, asset portfolio trades, leasing, secondary debt trades, and securitisation. Debra Erni, recognised for her ‘commercial mindset and practical approach’, focuses on aviation platform M&A, restructurings, and asset repossessions. Michael Holt has in-depth knowledge of equity and debt fund formation, joint ventures, and aircraft portfolio sales and acquisitions. Robert Ricketts retired from the firm in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Holland & Knight's team stands out for its responsiveness and solution-driven approach.'
'Richard Sharman is always hands-on to help us navigate the challenges at each step of the transaction.’
‘Richard Sharman and Michael Holt make a great team. They are responsive, hands-on, pragmatic and professional at all times.’
'Debra Erni stands out as a genuine thought leader in this space - her depth of knowledge, commercial mindset, and practical approach make her a highly valued external counsel. She remains one of the go-to individuals I trust.'
'All extremely experienced and solutions-driven.'
'Richard Sharman is great. He has a wonderful reputation in the industry.'
Key clients
- Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited
- BBAM Aircraft Management LP
- AerCap Holdings N.V.
- SMBC Aviation Capital Limited
- Aircastle Limited
- Muzinich & Co. Limited
- Contrail Opportunities Limited
- Investec Bank Plc
- SMBC Bank EU AG
- Carlyle Aviation Partners
- Airborne Capital
- Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
Representing 17 lessors in GOL’s $4bn Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding.
Acting as sole lead counsel for five international aircraft leasing companies in the second restructuring of historic debts with Azul, a Brazilian airline with a leased fleet of 160+ aircraft.
Advising various leasing companies in relation to matters arising as a result of the sanctions imposed by the US, EU and the UK following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Victoria Koob
Other key lawyers
Richard Sharman; Debra Erni; Michael Holt; Joe Snell