Global legal practice Norton Rose Fulbright has appointed Munich based partner Ralf Springer as head of aviation, and London based partner Duncan Batchelor as deputy head of aviation.
Springer has wide experience in asset finance and leasing in the aviation sector, across all forms of domestic German leases as well as cross-border financing techniques such as UK leases, Japanese operating leases and French tax leases. His clients include major banks and financial institutions; lessors; operators; and airlines. Before joining Norton Rose Fulbright as a partner in 2002, he was the General Counsel for one of Europe’s leading asset finance companies.
Batchelor is an aviation lawyer with particular experience in aircraft financing and cross-border leasing and structured finance transactions. He advises airline clients and aviation financiers on a range of matters including syndicated loans; pre-delivery financing; the sale and purchase of aircraft; airline take-overs; insurance; and the granting and enforcement of security. Duncan spent five years in our Munich office and is fluent in French, German and Russian.
Harry Theochari, global head of transport, Norton Rose Fulbright, commented: “Both Ralf and Duncan have a wealth of experience advising our global aviation clients. Our recent international growth has meant that we now have a team of aviation lawyers in every region of the world, enabling us to deliver a truly global service to our clients. Ralf and Duncan will have key roles to play in the further development of our aviation practice.”
“The aviation sector is continuing to grow rapidly and demand for air travel will only increase, particularly in Asia and Africa. As a result, the aviation industry will continue to have considerable financing requirements in the coming years, in addition to areas such as competition and regulation; insurance; and intellectual property.”