Bird & Bird's Aircraft Finance team again highly noted in influential Airfinance Journal Legal Survey 2019

• 4th on operating leases globally for the volume of transactions
• 4th in Asia Pacific for aircraft finance transactions
• 6th among all law firms globally for the volume of transactions

The survey attributes points for the overall number of qualifying aircraft finance & leasing deals worked on by law firms across the globe. A deal complexity element is factored in - which highlights that this is not just a numbers game but reflective of the real quality in the market. Given the competition, it’s clear we continue to punch well above our weight.

The market places high regard on this annual survey, and to once again be highly placed globally, in key markets, and for important deal types, helps in our continued commitment to further enhance the Bird & Bird brand in Asset Finance.

Interestingly, the survey results highlight the continued growth of the aviation industry in Asia, where transactions accounted for 30%, compared to deal activity in Europe (35% down from 40%) and North America remains third by region (21.5%).

Richard Sharman, Partner in London, responds to the announcement of the results:

"This achievement is well-deserved and follows a busy year. It's a result of our continuing commitment to the highest quality service across our global network, and the trust that our market-leading clients place in our team. By working together, within a friendly and collaborative culture, we are able to deliver a seamless legal offering to our aviation financing and leasing clients, bringing in regulatory, tax and dispute resolution advice when needed."

Matthias Winter, Partner in Frankfurt, adds:

"It has been another successful year demonstrating our established aircraft finance practice and the international recognition of our experience and versatile skillset. We are particularly happy about the positive feedback we receive from all players in the market, including airlines, lessors and financiers in all geographical areas relevant to us as we truly believe in the benefits of having a truly integrated worldwide team which enjoys working together."

Leo Fattorini, Partner, based in Singapore, comments:

“The results for Asia-Pacific in particular are enormously satisfying. Against multiple larger competitors, including major US and Magic Circle firms, we have more than held our own and are delighted to have been instructed on a significant number of the aircraft finance and leasing transactions occurring in Asia-Pacific. The team works incredibly hard, and it’s a great reward to be recognised in this way. With the Asia market continuing to grow, we are very focused on maintaining and building on our momentum.”