K&L Gates LLP identifies aviation finance as one of its core domains, advising on sale and leasebacks, limited-recourse financings, and operating lease restructurings. The team is led by Peter O’Hare, who focuses on aircraft acquisitions, financings, and leasing transactions, alongside Philip Perrotta, whose work spans commercial and business aircraft and aero engine financings. Matthew Pawlak brings a strong understanding of the financing, leasing, and trading of both commercial aircraft and business jets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Pete O'Hare is always available and provides excellent, practical advice. His key skill is his creative approach to problem-solving.’
- ‘They have strong experience in aircraft leasing, multi-jurisdictional exposure, and are calm and effective negotiators. They are well known in the industry.’
- ‘The K&L Aircraft team has provided us with reliable support with effective commercial skills to meet transaction timelines. With a worldwide presence, we can be assured of jurisdictional risks being effectively addressed.’
- ‘They have excellent knowledge of the sector, in particular rail.’
- ‘Pete O'Hare is a fantastic, pragmatic, solutions-oriented lawyer.’
- ‘They provide crucial support to clients through deal structuring, negotiations and construction.’
- ‘They are proactive, responsive and agile.’
Key clients
- Abelo Capital
- JP Lease
- LCI
- Blue Islands
- Jetcraft Commercial
Work highlights
Advised JP Lease on the Balthazar-supported, limited-recourse refinancing by Société Générale of two Airbus A321-200NEO aircraft under a Japanese operating lease to Wizz.
Advised an aircraft leasing company on the sale of a portfolio of Boeing and Airbus aircraft leased to multiple airlines.
Advised a helicopter leasing company on a revolving credit facility provided by a Japanese bank.
Practice head
Peter O’Hare; Philip Perrotta
Other key lawyers
Matthew Pawlak