The Commercial Aviation Finance team is known globally for its skills in the financing of aircraft and aviation-related assets. We represent leasing companies, commercial banks, non-bank lenders, private equity funds, joint venture investors, governmental agencies and manufacturers in a broad array of aviation transactions, many involving complex financial structures.
Our clients are sophisticated players who understand the credit and legal risks involved in aircraft transactions. Whether buying, leasing, lending, servicing, raising capital or managing a private equity portfolio, they count on us to understand both their business objectives and the commercial realities they face. They value our deep knowledge of aircraft assets, and our ability to monetize those assets in creative ways.
We structure, negotiate and execute all transaction types in the aircraft space, from billion-dollar capital markets transactions to smaller end-of-life deals. This diversity affords us a panoramic view of the global market for aviation assets, which lets us tailor our advice to current market conditions. The markets are ever-changing, and we help clients navigate the particular issues of the day in the context of broader historical trends.
In times of economic downturn, clients turn to our litigation and restructuring capabilities. Our team has been engaged in every major airline bankruptcy of the past two decades, bringing unmatched experience in restructuring transactions, enforcing remedies and defending clients in disputes. This combination of transactional, regulatory and litigation experience, together with our consistent recognition in Chambers Global as one of the world’s top asset finance practices, positions us as a trusted advisor to the most sophisticated market participants.
Our services include:
- Asset Acquisitions and Dispositions
- Aviation and Aerospace Regulatory
- Bankruptcy
- Business Aircraft Finance
- Business Aviation Services
- Commercial Aircraft Finance
- Commercial Aircraft Servicing
- FAA Regulatory Advice Finance Leases and Lease-to-Own Transactions
- Government-Supported Financings
- Joint Venture Investments and Fund Formation
- Litigation (including Insurance matters)
- Operating Leases
- Part-Out and End-of-Life Transactions
- Portfolio and Company Acquisitions Sanctions and Import/Export Compliance
- Securitizations and Capital Markets Transactions Structured Financings and Warehouse Loan Facilities Tax Structuring and Advice
Band 1: Aviation Finance, 2009-2025
Tier 1: Industry Focus: Transport: Aviation and Air Travel—Finance, 2018—2025
Band 2 in Asset Finance, 2020-2025
Band 2 in Asset Finance, 2020-2025
Band 2 in Asset Finance: Aviation (UK-wide), 2017-2025
Band 3: Aviation: Finance, 2025, Band 4, 2021-2023
Tier 3: Singapore Asset Finance: Foreign Firms, 2022-2025
Band 4: Aviation: Finance, 2023-2025
“Vedder provides excellent client service, top-notch counsel and good value for the money. They are easily accessible and incredibly responsive”
"Vedder are a global trusted adviser for asset finance. They can leverage their global offices to provide comprehensive legal assistance”
“The Vedder Global Transportation Finance team is regarded as one of the top aviation finance and leasing groups in the world. They are highly experienced in all aspects of aircraft finance”
Global Transportation Finance Newsletter
December 2025 Issue
Covering the latest in legal updates for global transportation finance.
Insights & Events
Publications
Global Transportation Finance Newsletter December 2025
December 22, 2025
Publications
Insurance Contracts Meet Their Date with Destiny
December 22, 2025
Publications
UK Court Won’t Entertain Unspecific Defences
December 22, 2025
Publications
Aircraft Trading 101: Don’t Wing It – A Strategic Introduction to Aircraft Trading
December 22, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Cameron Gee to Discuss Pre-Delivery Payment Financing Transactions During Airline Economics’ Growth Frontiers Asia Pacific – Singapore
November 6, 2025
News
Vedder Price Attorneys and Practice Area Named in Chambers UK 2026 Rankings
October 20, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Kevin MacLeod to Moderate Session at Ishka Aviation Investival: North America
October 14, 2025
Deals & Transactions
Vedder Price Advises Initial Purchasers in $827 Million Aviation Loan ABS
October 6, 2025
Primary Contacts

Michael E. Draz
Shareholder
Chair, Global Transportation Finance Practice Area
Member, Board of Directors
Chicago