Dentons advises major aviation clients on a wide range of aircraft, helicopter, and engine financing, leasing, and restructuring matters. This work includes sales and leasebacks, JOLCO unwinds, the refinancing of secured and unsecured facilities, delayed redelivery disputes, and the establishment of leasing structures. The team is led by Sarah Dyke, whose practice spans aviation, shipping, and vehicle financing mandates, with particular experience in operating leases and portfolio transfers, and Stephen Temple, who advises on complex aircraft financing and leasing transactions, frequently involving international sanctions considerations. James Francis also focuses on various aspects of aircraft financing. Longstanding partners Serge Sergiou and Paul Holland have retired from the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is very collaborative and keen on adjusting to clients' internal constrictions.’
‘Stephen Temple is tireless in pursuing the client's objectives and trying to secure the best outcome possible in every negotiation. His pragmatic approach is very much appreciated.’
'The Dentons team is exceptional.'
'Dentons guidance and support is first class.'
'The Dentons aviation finance team is a close-knit team which works well together and has an excellent knowledge of the industry.'
'Grace Stobbart and James Francis stand out as being very pragmatic and solution oriented.'
'George Williamson stands out for excellent commercial sense.'
'Wide global network, ability to cover also less run-of-the-mill topics, also at short notice.'
Key clients
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Airbus Group
- Avolon Aerospace
- Turkish Airlines
- BoComm Aviation Leasing Ireland Company Limited
- TUI Group
- Wizz Air
- Engine Lease Finance Corporation
- Virgin Atlantic
- Avions de Transport Regional (ATR)
- LCI Aviation
- TAP Air Portugal
- Chorus Aviation
- ORIX Aviation
- Falko Regional Aircraft
- Air Nostrum
- RwandAir
- Minsheng Financial Leasing
- The Helicopter Company
Work highlights
Advising Wizz Air in connection with the financing of six A321-271NX aircraft by BNP Paribas and Jackson Square Aviation.
Advising Bristow Group Inc. as to their entry into of an English law governed €100m majority UKEF backed secured and guaranteed facility for (i) the purchase of five Leonardo AW139 helicopters to be deployed in the provision of search and rescue services for the Irish Coastguard Aviation Service and (ii) general working capital purposes.
Advised on airBaltic's Rule 144A/Regulation S senior secured bond issue of €340 million 14.50% bonds due 2029.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Stephen Temple
Practice head
Sarah Dyke; Stephen Temple
Other key lawyers
James Francis; Grace Stobbart; George Williamson