Clifford Chance

At Clifford Chance, New York’s Zarrar Sehgal spearheads a team of attorneys who ‘are exceptional in their depth of expertise, dedication, and ability to deliver innovative solutions in complex and challenging’ aviation matters. The practice acts for industry-leading investment entities, advising them on restructurings, aircraft portfolio management, investment vehicle structuring, and revolving credit facilities. A notable recent highlight was their advice to Deutsche Bank on the bidding process and eventual acquisition of $1.67bn of loans from another bank’s aircraft finance portfolio. Sehgal has a lot of experience with asset-backed security transactions whilst also working for banks, lendors, and lessors in various matters such as the acquisition of Castlelake Aviation by Avolon which is a deal involving $5bn worth of assets that is expected to be completed in 2025. Working alongside him, Emily Wicker has a strong pedigree in asset finance but is equipped to handle complex securitization transactions as well. John Howitt  is equipped to handle the full gamut of aviation finance matters ranging from restructurings and lease transactions to portfolio purchases and credit transactions. Rounding out the New York office, the dual-qualified Benjamin Fisher has a wealth of multi-jurisdictional financial experience, particularly debt financing.