Clifford Chance LLP is widely recognised for its expertise in complex aviation finance transactions, including portfolio financings, sale and leaseback arrangements, aircraft acquisitions, and export credit agency-supported financing. Beyond aviation, the firm brings significant strength in maritime and rail finance, advising on vessel acquisitions, shipping transactions, and rail fleet financings. Oliver Hipperson, a specialist in the financing, sale, and leasing of heavy transport assets in the aviation and maritime spaces, leads the asset finance group. Ranbir Hunjan focuses on aviation and rail leasing and debt financing transactions, while Richard Evans adeptly advises on a variety of aviation financing structures, including unsecured term loans and structured capital markets deals. Paul Carrington plays a leading role in major restructurings, aircraft portfolio sales, and cross-border financings. Lara Attarzadeh is a trusted advisor on airline and engine financings, aircraft sales and acquisitions, as well as M&A and joint venture transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Responsive, available, knowledgeable, meticulous.'
- 'The team has a broad reach and the aviation practice is best in class.’
‘From partner to associate, all very responsive and quick. They have both been around the industry for a long time and provide world-class services.’
'Ranbir Hunjan's understanding of clients commercial perspective is highly valuable. He is friendly and always accessible.'
'The sheer global reach and the expertise of this team are unparalleled.'
'They have exceptional knowledge of all types of asset finance deal structures and jurisdictions.'
'Richard Evans in an exceptional lawyer, with in depth knowledge and attention to detail, and is very hands-on.'
'Great breadth of expertise with very knowledgeable associates with adequate partner involvement.'
'Ranbir Hunjan is able to engage with our team at a commercial level and is a valuable 'enabler' for our business. He is friendly and always accessible.'
Key clients
- <p>Nordic Aviation Capital</p>
- <p>Investec</p>
- <p>SMBC Aviation Capital</p>
- <p>Deutsche Bank</p>
- <p>Avolon</p>
- <p>Airborne Capital</p>
- <p>AerCap</p>
- <p>Altavair</p>
- <p>Muzinich & Co</p>
- <p>The "Balthazar" Underwriting Committee</p>
Work highlights
Advised Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, on its acquisition of Castlelake Aviation Limited.
Advised Muzinich as debt arranger and loan servicer in relation to the acquisition of a portfolio of 5 secured aviation loans from ACG and the financing of the same pursuant to a senior loan and junior note capital structure.
Advised NAC on the sale of 24 Embraer E-Jets to Falko Regional Aircraft Limited and the sale of eight Embraer and DeHavilland aircraft to Truenoord.
Lawyers
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
Oliver Hipperson
Other key lawyers
Ranbir Hunjan; Richard Evans; Lara Attarzadeh; Paul Carrington; Chris Hardisty; Jing Tang; Ryan Wild