Aviation

Representative Experience

• Represented major commercial airline in negotiating and finalizing all relevant documentation for the acquisition of 47 new Boeing 787 aircraft and the deferral of 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft previously scheduled to arrive between 2020 and 2022. Also negotiated with engine suppliers; negotiated and documented a comprehensive long-term engine maintenance agreement; collaborated with other client counsel on related financing and leasing commitments; and negotiated an agreement with Airbus to terminate client’s order for 22 Airbus A350s.
• Represented major commercial airline in the negotiation of purchase agreements for 85 of Airbus’s A321neo family aircraft and 85 of Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 aircraft, including options and purchase rights for an additional 150 aircraft.
• Represented commercial airline immersed in Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings. Led negotiations for, and assisted bankruptcy counsel in, obtaining court approval of multiple interrelated aircraft, engine, and maintenance agreements, including purchase agreements for a firm order of 100 Boeing Model 737 MAX aircraft, with an option for 60 more. The closing of this transaction was a major milestone to the client’s plan of reorganization.
• Represented Saudi company in structuring and completing the acquisition and secured financing of a Gulfstream 450 aircraft through the use of a non-U.S. citizen trust structure and in compliance with all applicable laws, including Federal Aviation Regulations. 
• Represented major commercial airline in connection with the sale and secured financing of five aging aircraft to a Russian commercial air carrier. The transaction involved secured debt financing coupled with security assignments of operating leases, with each aircraft placed on the Bermuda registry and exported for operation in Russia.
• Represented a national security industry in responding to a letter of investigation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alleging the client had violated hazardous materials regulations on multiple occasions by improperly shipping certain products on aircraft. Each violation carried a potential penalty of more than $50,000. Based on our letter, as well as supporting documentation that described the client’s rapid and comprehensive response to the FAA’s concerns, the FAA closed its investigation with no enforcement action or penalty.
• Assisted client in the purchase of a Falcon 2000LXS, handling the entire transaction from negotiation of the letter of intent to preparation and execution of closing documentation.
• Represented seller in the sale of a Falcon 900LX.