Brian Liu and Paul Brusiloff lead the New York-based aviation group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, representing international and domestic airlines on financial matters involving enhanced equipment trust certificates, frequent flyer loyalty programs, and joint ventures. Brusiloff focuses predominantly on borrowers and investors, helping them with equity financing and complex restructurings. Liu’s practice covers a wide variety of transactional matters ranging from equipment leasing and syndicated credit facilities to warehouse facilities and aircraft acquisition. Iryna Nikolaieva is a rising star in the practice, experienced at managing domestic and cross-border transactions. Key clients include American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Phillippine Airlines. The team regularly acts in portfolio transactions, the structuring of revolving credit facilities, and mortgaging financing.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- AAR Corp.
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Spirit Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
Work highlights
- Advised Hawaiian in the exchange offer for the company’s outstanding senior notes secured by the company’s loyalty program and brand intellectual property assets.
- Represented Alaska Airlines in a term loan and senior notes offering secured by the company’s loyalty program assets.
- Represented Spirit Airlines in its Chapter 11 proceeding.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Iryna Nikolaieva
Practice head
Brian E. Liu;Paul D. Brusiloff
Other key lawyers
Irina Nikolaieva