Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP has strengthened its aviation practice with the arrivals of co-head Sidanth Rajagopal and Manuela Krach from K&L Gates LLP in October 2022 and March 2023 respectively, with both specialising in aviation financing. In addition to working ‘like a Swiss watch’ on matters of financing, restructuring and bankruptcy, Peter Sharp, who jointly leads the team, acts for clients engaged in disputes, including commercial, post-disaster and insurance matters. Solicitor advocate David Waldron represents clients in restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy matters, as well as commercial disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This is a very strong team, working together like a Swiss watch, resulting in super quick turnarounds.'
- 'They are always focused, commercially minded whilst crossing the Ts and dotting the Is from a legal perspective, what I call very safe hands to be in.'
- 'Sidanth Rajagopal is always willing and able to assist with practical advice, which suits his client and the situation.'
- 'Sidanth Rajagopal is very good at managing and motivating his team. The resulting teamwork is what makes him strong and reliable for his clients. He is absolutely committed.'
Key clients
- ACIA Aero Leasing (Ireland) Limited
- Dubai Aviation Corporation
- Kayan Aircraft Holdings
- SpiceJet Limited
- Veling
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- MUFG Securities Americas Inc.
- JLPS Ireland Limited
- Pulsar Aero
- P Capital Partners III AB
- Empire Aviation
- Al Sharqiya Aviation
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
Work highlights
- Advised ACIA Aero Leasing (Ireland) Ltd as borrower on their new revolving facility with Investec, secured by a pool of assets in various jurisdictions to support the continued growth of ACIA‘s portfolio.
- Assisted Avenue Capital Group on the restructuring of their leases with Air Asia X and their financing for three A330 aircraft with Deutsche Bank, Nedbank and NEC Capital.
- Assisted MUFG Securities Americas Inc. as arranger in the refinancing of senior secured equipment notes due August 2027, which are secured by a portfolio of 13 mid-to-end of life A320-200s on lease to a US operator.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Sharp, Sidanth Rajagopal