K&L Gates LLP is best known for supporting businesses with aviation finance and leasing matters, including disputes, regulatory issues, contractual negotiations, and asset transfers. The practice is led by aviation finance expert Philip Perrotta; Peter O’Hare, who specialises in aircraft acquisition, leasing, and refinancing; and Peter Morton, ‘a smart, thorough, and effective litigator’ who focuses on aviation disputes and international arbitration. Sebastian Smith handles restructuring, M&A, and joint venture transactions for aviation leasing and banking clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They have several very bright and impressive lawyers, and are skilled at managing complex multi-jurisdictional litigation. As a team, they have an unusually deep knowledge of the aviation sector.’
- ‘Sebastian Smith and Peter Morton provided outstanding advice on several possible litigation cases, which led us to avoid the worst case in the end.’
- ‘Peter Morton is a very smart, thorough and effective litigator, with deep expertise in aviation matters.’
- ‘They are experts in the aviation industry and practice.’
- ‘Very efficient and professional.’
Key clients
- JP Lease Products & Services Co., Ltd
- VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company
- Avation PLC
- Atitech S.p.A.
- TAROM - Romanian Air Transport
- Air Serbia
- Abelo Capital Aviation Management Limited (formerly Elix Aviation Management Limited)
- Stratos
- V2 Aviation
Work highlights
Advising Vietnamese airline, VietJet, in relation to various English Commercial Court proceedings, including proceedings regarding a post-Covid aircraft lease rental deferral agreement, and ongoing strategic advice related to issues in respect of parts, maintenance reserves and lease expiry.
Advising Romanian airline, TAROM, in a complex deal for the transfer of arrival and departure slots at London Heathrow Airport to Qatar Airways Group QCSC.
Advising an airline in relation to substantial production delays by a major aircraft manufacturer, and consequential issues under the relevant purchase agreement, including pre-delivery payments, escalation provisions and related contracts and rights of termination.
Practice head
Philip Perrotta; Peter O’Hare; Peter Morton
Other key lawyers
Sebastian Smith