Aviation Finance & Leasing
United Kingdom
20 August 2025
Standing out for its ‘depth of specialist aircraft leasing and finance experience’, Milbank offers notable aviation industry knowledge and expertise. Heading the transportation and space group is the ’technically brilliant’ and ‘strong negotiator’ Nick Swinburne. A key contact among leading global asset managers, lessors, and financial institutions on high-value M&A, sale and leaseback transactions, and loan financings. Harriet Rugg-Easey supports major clients across key transactions. Former practice head James Cameron left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Stands out for the depth of specialist aircraft leasing and finance experience and knowledge of industry standards in a fast moving market.'
- 'Excellent knowledge of the industry, technically strong lawyers, excellent negotiation skills and the ability to work on complex structures.'
- 'Close client relationship management from partner-level and responsive.'
- 'All very hands on, knowledgeable and excellent at deal management and getting complex, large deals over the line in tight timeframes.'
- 'Nick Swinburne is technically brilliant and a strong negotiator. He is a big hitter in aviation. A go-to lawyer for complex deals. He ensure that a strong team works on all transactions and at the right level for the work involved.'
- 'Nick Swinburne has been great at managing a close team across a range of our transactions and ensuring that our requirements are met in terms of responsiveness, due diligence and accuracy.'
Key clients
- Abelo (formerly Elix Aviation Capital)
- AerCap
- Aergo
- Aircastle
- Air France
- Altavair
- Ares
- AV Air Finance
- Avolon
- Bank of China Aviation
- Bank of Tokyo Leasing
- Barclays
Practice head
Nick Swinburne
Other key lawyers
Harriet Rugg-Easey