Baker Botts has expanded its aviation finance capabilities with the addition of Zahra Knapper Al-Bahrani and her team from White & Case.
Knapper joins as a partner in Dubai, alongside senior associate Rishi Raheja and associate Torridon Linskaill in London. She has nearly 15 years of experience in advising airlines, lessors, banks, funds, and export credit agencies on cross-border financings and structured transactions. Her work spans ECA-backed aircraft financings, portfolio acquisitions, JOLCO structures, restructurings, leasing and aviation-related M&A, as well as broader asset and structured finance.
“Zahra brings exactly the kind of expertise that defines the next chapter of global finance – cross-border, sector-deep, and strategically placed,” said Danny David, managing partner of Baker Botts. “With her team in Dubai and London, we’re not just expanding, we’re accelerating our position at the centre of high-value international dealmaking. Zahra’s team brings sharp execution capability in cross-border finance where demand is growing fast.”
Mark Rowley, partner-in-charge of the firm’s non-US offices, said: “Zahra and her team are known for the kind of cross-border expertise and market insight that align with our strategy in the Middle East and European markets. This is a targeted and strategic expansion that builds on our strengths in key growth sectors.”
Knapper said: "Our clients are navigating increasingly complex global transactions, and with Baker Botts’ international platform, deep sector knowledge, and collaborative culture, we’re ideally positioned to help them succeed across markets.”