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K&L Gates Straits Law LLC

K&L Gates Straits Law LLC

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Singapore

3

Asset finance

The ‘collaborative, conscientious and well-supported’ team at K&L Gates Straits Law LLC is highly sought after by financial institutions, leasing companies, and airlines for its strong expertise in aircraft operating finance and leasing transactions. The team is also expanding its capabilities in non-contentious shipping matters. The group is jointly led by the ’highly regarded, responsive, commercial, and detail-oriented’ Duc Nguyen and Samuel Kolehmainen, who are seasoned experts in aircraft financing, leasing and purchasing agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team has been practising in Asia for many years, so have the regional picture as well. Samuel Kolehmainen is a real gem in that regard.’
  • ‘The team is collaborative, conscientious, well-supported and positive to work with.’
  • ‘Duc Nguyen is both legally and commercially astute. He is approachable, very responsive and supportive even across time zones, solutions-focused, and understands what the client needs. He is also hands-on, personally ensuring the quality of work delivered by his team.’
  • ‘Diverse team, with excellent lawyers.'
  • ‘Duc Nguyen is very highly regarded, responsive, commercial, and detail-oriented.'
  • 'Professional, efficient, well-organised and good commercial sense.'
  • 'What sets them apart is their deep understanding of aviation finance, their responsiveness, and their ability to anticipate challenges before they arise.'
  • 'The team combined good industry knowledge with a solutions-oriented approach that made a complex process feel seamless. Their responsiveness and clarity in communication were particularly impressive, especially when navigating cross-border regulatory and commercial issues. What stood out most was their ability to balance legal precision with commercial pragmatism—always keeping the client’s objectives front and centre.'

Key clients

  • AirAsia Berhad
  • Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
  • Credit Industriel et Commercial
  • AerDragon Aviation Partners Limited
  • MUFG Bank Ltd
  • AerCap
  • BOC Aviation Limited
  • Falko Regional Aircraft Limited
  • VietJet Joint Stock Company
  • Vietnam Airlines Limited
  • AirAsia Berhad
  • Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
  • Credit Industriel et Commercial
  • AerDragon Aviation Partners Limited
  • MUFG Bank Ltd
  • AerCap
  • BOC Aviation Limited
  • Falko Regional Aircraft Limited
  • VietJet Joint Stock Company
  • Vietnam Airlines Limited

Work highlights

Advised Crédit Agricole CIB as arranger, lender, and sustainability adviser in relation to a sustainability-linked JOLCO financing of one new A321NEO for a Philippine low-cost airline.
Advised Vietnam Airlines on a high-profile contract relating to its order for 50 Boeing single-aisle 737 MAX jets.
Advised Crédit Agricole CIB as arranger, lender, and sustainability adviser in relation to an operating lessor financing for CCB Financial Leasing in respect of three aircraft on finance lease to Pegasus Airlines in Turkiye.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Samuel Kolehmainen
Samuel Kolehmainen
Practice head

Duc Nguyen; Samuel Kolehmainen