Aviation Finance Associate/Senior Associate (3-5 Years PQE)

Role Overview
Join our dynamic Aviation Finance team, where you will support high-profile, international aviation finance, sale, purchase, and leasing transactions.

About the Department
Our client is  a leading global aerospace practice, having been at the forefront of legal developments in this sector for over thirty years. They represent clients from across the aerospace industry, with one of the largest and most dedicated teams in the field. Their reputation is recognised by independent legal directories (Chambers and Legal 500), consistently ranking as a top-tier aviation practice.

Our clients expertise spans the full range of dispute resolution, regulatory, and transactional work in aviation and aerospace. The Aviation Finance team advises key stakeholders, including financiers, lessors, MROs, RV insurers, airlines, and other aircraft operators on various aspects of aircraft and engine trading, leasing, and financing transactions.

Recent Projects Include:

• Financing for an airline involving four Boeing 767-300ER aircraft converted to freighters.
• Legal guidance for an airline on a French Lease Financing supported by IFLI for three Airbus A321NEO acquisitions.
• Advising a leasing company on the sale and leaseback of six A321 aircraft to Wizz Air and related financing.
• Consultation for multiple lessors on aircraft portfolio transactions.
• Facilitating sale and operating leaseback transactions involving 30 newly delivered 737NG aircraft, including extraction from a PDP financing structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate within our London-based Aviation Finance team, which consists of 4 Partners, 1 Senior Associate, 3 Associates, and 1 Trainee.
• Work on high-profile international aviation finance, sale, purchase, and leasing transactions.

Key Skills & Experience Required

• Excellent academic background, ideally a 2:1 or above at degree level or equivalent.
• Relevant high-quality aviation finance experience post-qualification (approximately 3-5 years PQE) or experience in asset finance from a reputable commercial practice.
• Strong interest in advancing your profile within the aviation sector, particularly in aviation finance and leasing.
• Familiarity with common aviation financing structures and aircraft sale and purchase considerations is preferred.
• Ability to take on significant responsibility for transactions, comfortable in client-facing roles, proactive, organized, and able to manage international time zones with team support.
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable collaborating with various partners with different working styles.
• Detail-oriented with excellent transaction management skills, capable of managing multiple correspondence strands.
• Interest in mentoring junior team members and developing their skills.
• Strong client engagement and business development skills relevant to your PQE.
• Expected to actively participate in practice and business development initiatives.
• International travel may be required.