Praised for its ‘depth of specialist aircraft leasing and finance experience’, Milbank advises on a broad spectrum of matters, including debt and lease financings, sale and leasebacks, portfolio acquisitions and disposals, and structured financings for commercial and corporate aircraft. The team offers expertise to lenders, lessors, borrowers, airlines, and investors in security enforcement, repossessions, distressed debt, and restructuring. Following James Cameron’s recent departure, Nick Swinburne now leads the transportation and space practice, overseeing aircraft, satellite, and asset-backed transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, restructurings, and repossessions. Swinburne is supported by Andy McAdam, who advises on structured and novel aircraft and asset-backed deals, and the ‘outstanding’ Harriet Rugg-Easey, who leads on cross-border M&A, distressed debt, and restructuring work for aviation clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Depth of specialist aircraft leasing and finance experience and knowledge of industry standards in a fast-moving market. Close client relationship management from partners and responsiveness.’

  • ‘Harriet Rugg-Easey is outstanding in terms of practical approach, expertise, and due diligence. Nick Swinburne has been great at managing a close team.'

  • ‘Excellent knowledge of the industry, technically strong lawyers, excellent negotiation skills and ability to work on complex structures.’

  • ‘Nick Swinburne is technically brilliant and a strong negotiator. He is a big hitter in aviation. A go-to lawyer for complex deals. He ensures that a strong team works on all transactions and at the right level for the work involved.'

Key clients

  • <p>Abelo (formerly Elix Aviation Capital)</p>
  • <p>AerCap</p>
  • <p>Aergo</p>
  • <p>Aircastle</p>
  • <p>Air France</p>
  • <p>Altavair</p>
  • <p>AV Air Finance</p>
  • <p>Avolon</p>
  • <p>Bank of China Aviation</p>
  • <p>Bank of Tokyo Leasing</p>
  • <p>Barclays</p>
  • <p>Barings</p>

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Nick Swinburne

Practice head

Nick Swinburne

Other key lawyers

Andy McAdam; Harriet Rugg-Easey