Headed by Geoffrey Kass in Chicago, the aviation finance team at Vedder handles a broad array of aircraft finance transactions, including M&A matters, portfolio debt financing, and structured multi-aircraft financing in capital markets. In particular, the group is well-placed to handle export credit-based agency financing transactions for a range of aircraft operating lessors, airlines, and commercial banks. Kass is frequently engaged by a diverse client base, including manufacturers and equity participants, where he advises on a range of domestic and cross-border leveraged leases and financings. Cameron Gee works alongside Kass in Chicago, often handling securitization and warehouse financing matters. Raviv Surpin, in Miami, is another notable name, recently working on a high-value direct purchase agreement for 40 planes. New York-based Jeffrey Veber is the key contact for international companies, with extensive experience in cross-border leverage leases. Justine Chilvers, also in New York, remains active, advising on acquisitions. In Dallas, Adam Beringer continues to be engaged by hedge funds and aircraft investors in capital market transactions and distressed debt transactions. John T. Bycraft retired in December 2024.
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Accolades

Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • Adam Beringer is our coverage partner. As another client has said to me, with Adam acting for you, you know you have the smartest partner on the deal. He is extremely commercial and finds ways to get deals done and remove obstacles, where some attorneys get caught in meaningless arguments over provisions that may never come into play.
  • They are very plugged into the aviation community. They have deep expertise in the functional aspects of transactions and know all the players, which helps informationally and to execute transactions quickly and smoothly.

Key clients

  • AIP Capital
  • Air Canada
  • Aero Capital Solutions
  • Aviation Capital Group
  • Azorra
  • BBAM Aircraft Management
  • Castlelake, L.P.
  • Citibank, N.A.
  • Export-Import Bank of the United States
  • Macquarie Bank
  • Strategic Value Partners

Work highlights

Represented Aero Capital Solutions, Inc. in connection with all capital raising activities for its fourth, and largest, aviation investment vehicle.
Represented the initial purchasers of PKAIR 2025-1 and PKAIR 2025-2 in connection with two aviation loan ABS transactions by PK AirFinance.
Represented AIP Capital and Phoenix Aviation Capital in US$300 million PDP financing and in $300 million aircraft financing warehouse.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

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Leading partners

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

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Geoffrey Kass

Other key lawyers

Cameron Gee; Raviv Surpin; Jeffrey Veber; Justine Chilvers; Adam Beringer; Mark Ditto