ORIX Aviation Systems Limited (“ORIX Aviation”) announced today that Helfried Schwarz will be joining the company’s legal team based in Dublin as General Counsel and Mike MacConnie will step up to the role of Chief Operating Officer, in addition to his current role of Chief Technical Officer.

Mr. Schwarz was previously a partner in Milbank LLP’s Transportation and Space Group where he practiced for over 30 years, having worked in their New York, Frankfurt and London offices. He joined ORIX Aviation on 15th February and he will become ORIX Aviation’s General Counsel, effective April 1, 2021, replacing Dean Gerber, who will be leaving the company to pursue opportunities closer to his home in the United States. Mr. Schwarz is widely recognized as a leading aviation practitioner, including by Chambers, Legal 500 and Legal Media Group, and is active in a variety of industry led organizations including the Legal Advisory Panel to the Aviation Working Group.

James Meyler, Chief Executive Officer at ORIX Aviation has said “I would like to thank Dean for his contribution to the company’s success and I am very excited to welcome Helfried to ORIX Aviation’s Dublin office. Helfried possesses tremendous legal and aviation knowledge and experience that will further build and enhance our global business. He has a demonstrated history of success and achievement and I am delighted to have him join our team.”

On Mike’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer, James said, “We are delighted to have Mike step up to take on the role of COO in addition to his role as CTO of ORIX Aviation. Mike brings such huge experience from GECAS and multiple airlines, with almost 40 years of technical expertise, all of which is especially needed in these challenging times”.

“I am thrilled to join ORIX Aviation. I look forward to building on the excellent foundation of the legal team and contributing to ORIX Aviation’s continued success” stated Mr. Schwarz.

“I am both humbled and eager to take on this additional role while continuing to work with such a great team“ comments Mr. MacConnie.