Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has advised a syndicate of financiers on AerDragon Aviation Partners' (Dragon) US$220 million senior secured commercial loan.

The bank syndicate was led by Credit Agricole CIB (CA-CIB) and DVB Bank SE Singapore Branch and also included the Korea Development Bank, Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen Girozentrale and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale.

Dragon is an aircraft leasing joint venture between AerCap, China Aviation Supplies Holding Company and affiliates of Credit Agricole CIB. Established in 2006 and based in Ireland, Dragon will use the funds to refinance a portfolio of 10 aircrafts.

"This was a complex transaction that involved the seamless effort and expertise of our team across five offices," said Singapore partner Samuel Kolehmainen. "Dragon is uniquely positioned to benefit from the growing demand for air travel and aircraft leasing and we are delighted to have advised on this transaction."

Samuel led the team advising the financiers, assisted by senior associate Amanda Teoh. Derivatives advice was provided by London partner Nick May, while French law advice was provided by partner Régis Oréal,  New York law advice was provided by Laura Mouton and Spanish law advice was provided by Armando Garcia-Mendoza.