The transportation and space group at Milbank regularly handles market-leading aviation-related transactions, including loyalty program financings, acquisition and warehouse financings, private placements, and unsecured facilities amongst other matters. Its work handling aviation ABS transactions is particularly noted. Based in New York, Drew Fine and Alexandra Johnson co-head the practice. Fine is recognised for his extensive experience working with EETCs, ABS, M&A transactions and restructurings, often taking on high complexity matters. Johnson leads the practice globally, handling both domestic deals and work spanning the UK, Asia, and Latin America. For aviation capital markets work, Jim Pascale is particularly recommended, based in New York and representing banks, leasing companies, equity participants and hedge funds as well as airline clients. Also in New York, Freyda Mechlowicz is sought out for her advice on large financing facilities for aircraft leasing companies and financial institutions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Apollo Global Management
- Castlelake
- Willis Lease Finance Corporation
- Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited
- GOL Linhas Aereas
- Volofin Capital
- BNP Paribas
- High Ridge Aviation
- Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd
- Blackstone
- One Investment Management
- Goldman Sachs
Work highlights
Advised Apollo and Brookfield in connection with Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield’s groundbreaking $7.4 billion definitive agreement to acquire Air Lease Corporation.
Advised the initial purchasers in connection with the inaugural $1.245 billion fixed rate notes offering by Griffin Global Asset Management – one of (if not) the largest aircraft ABS transactions to date.
Advised Castlelake L.P. in connection with its sale-purchase agreement with global aviation finance company Avolon, for the sale of a $5 billion, 118-aircraft portfolio held by Castlelake Aviation Limited. The 118 aircraft in the portfolio are currently on lease to airlines including Delta Air Lines, Qatar Airways Co. and AirAsia.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Jim Pascale
Alexandra Johnson
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Drew Fine; Alexandra Johnson
Other key lawyers
Jim Pascale; Freyda Mechlowicz