New Aviation Finance Team Joins WFW Hong Kong

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) is delighted to announce the hire of BCLP’s aviation team in Hong Kong, led by William Ho and Jackson Chow. The team are considered leaders in the Chinese aviation finance and leasing market.

William has deep experience advising on the full spectrum of aircraft transactions and structures and is recognised for his expertise by Chambers Asia Pacific and Legal 500 Asia Pacific, with the latter styling him “very innovative” and noting his leading role in Hong Kong tax reform for the aviation leasing industry.

Jackson specialises in structured asset finance and leasing with a special focus on the aviation sector. Jackson regularly advises on award-winning deals and is also recognised as a leading lawyer for aviation finance by leading legal directories Chambers Asia Pacific and Legal 500 Asia Pacific.

Also joining with Jackson and William are Senior Associate Carmen Chien (Chien Carmen Ka Man), Associate Alfred Yu (Yu Sing Hong Alfred) and Legal Manager Vivienne Zhao.

Jackson, William and the team advise a broad range of clients on JOLCOs, French tax leases, European ECA- and US Ex-Im-backed aircraft financing, pre-delivery financing and Chinese domestic leases, asset-backed securitisations, aircraft secured bond transactions and portfolio sales, syndicated portfolio loans, PTC SPEC structured financings and aircraft and engine operating lease transactions. They also have lead roles advising on the restructuring of such transactions.

Singapore-based Global Aviation Sector Co-Head Charles Viggers commented: “Chinese airlines, lessors and banks are amongst the most active players in the sector. Bringing on board a team of talented sector-specialist lawyers is an absolutely fantastic opportunity, further strengthening our profile and capabilities across the Asia Pacific region. I’m delighted to welcome all to the firm”.

Hong Kong Office Head Madeline Leong added: “Expanding our presence in China in the aviation space complements our highly regarded maritime offering. Our new aviation team enhances WFW Hong Kong’s presence and profile in in sector across the Asia Pacific region and also helps introduce our existing capabilities and services to a wider audience”.

William said: “We are really excited to join WFW’s pre-eminent asset finance practice which will provide us with a truly specialist platform to take our services to clients to the next level”.

Jackson said: “My team and I are delighted to be joining WFW, a leading international law firm recognised for its specialist and sector foci on aviation, maritime and energy law. This transition further enhances our offering to our clients. Whilst the aviation industry is currently tracking through turbulent times, we remain committed to supporting our clients. We also take this opportunity to thank our clients for their continued support”.