Sidley Austin LLP is praised by clients for its work on aircraft leasing, acquisition, and portfolio management, spearheaded by Bart Biggers in Dallas and Houston’s Kevin Lewis. The team represents major domestic carriers such as United, West Jet, and Hawaiian Airlines, assisting with aircraft and equipment leasing, m&a deals, and joint ventures in multiple jurisdictions. Biggers is an experienced figure in this sector, having represented American Airlines for over 2 decades with the full gamut of aviation finance matters. Lewis is praised for his financing work but is also reputed for his work in emerging technologies and sustainable travel. Atman Shukla has domestic and international aviation expertise, adding further strength to the practice out of the firm’s Houston office.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Key clients
- United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL)
- American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL)
- Hawaiian Airlines (NASDAQ: HA)
- Sun Country Airlines (NASDAQ: SNCY)
- Panasonic Avionics Corp.
- Marathon Asset Management, LP
- oneworld Management Company
- WestJet Airlines Ltd.
- Apollo Global Management Funds
- IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX)
Work highlights
- Representing funds advised by Wafra Inc. (“Wafra”) in the acquisition of Aquila Air Capital (“Aquila”) from funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC. Aquila is a specialty finance platform focused on providing aviation asset financing, including purchasing and leasing aircraft engines.
- Represented United Airlines (United) and American Airlines (American) in multiple aircraft transactions since 2022 involving the sale and right to purchase of over 800 aircraft. Aircraft vary from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 737 Max, Airbus A350, Airbus A321neo, Bombardier CRJ-550, and Embraer ERJ145.
- Represented United Airlines Ventures in connection with the formation, financial closings and operations of United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight FundSM (SFF).
Lawyers
Practice head
Bart J. Biggers; Kevin P. Lewis
Other key lawyers
Atman Shukla