Aviation

Hughes Hubbard & Reed has extensive experience representing many of the leading airlines, aircraft leasing companies, financial institutions and other participants in the aviation industry in their most sophisticated and cutting-edge transactions. We have pioneered some of the largest and most innovative transaction structures in the aviation industry, many of which have won “Deal of the Year” awards from leading industry publications. What sets us apart is our skills at innovation and our focus on achieving clients' goals. For example, we played leading roles in transactions involving the first asset-backed securities (ABS) capital markets issuance following the 2008 financial crisis and the first non-U.S. airline enhanced equipment trust certificate (EETC) using Cape Town Alternative A, which is similar to Section 1110 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Our areas of experience include:

Aviation Finance 

We have represented clients in transactions involving the financing of billions worth of commercial aircraft and aircraft equipment. These transactions have involved a variety of structures, including leveraged leases, operating leases, cross-border transactions, sale-leasebacks, securitization of lease portfolios, enhanced pass-through certificates and export credit-agency supported loans. We have also participated in a variety of aviation-related capital markets transactions, including public offerings, Rule 144A/Regulation S offerings and private placements of common stock, preferred stock, convertible securities, debt and pass-through certificates.

Mergers and Joint Ventures

We have represented clients in numerous acquisitions of aviation companies, including air carriers and leasing companies. We have also structured joint ventures involving aviation businesses, including aircraft leasing companies, reservations businesses and internet ventures, and worked on a variety of airline alliance agreements, including code-share agreements and joint marketing arrangements.

Workouts and Bankruptcies

We have been actively involved in numerous airline bankruptcy cases, representing the airline and airline creditors. We are also experienced in matters relating to workouts and the exercise of remedies with respect to various types of aircraft held as collateral, ranging from helicopters to Boeing 777s.

Litigation

Our lawyers are skilled in matters relating to litigation involving air carriers, including antitrust claims, securities actions, personal injury matters, commercial contracts and disputes under aircraft financing transactions.