A&L Goodbody LLP has a large and established asset finance practice that has a primary focus on aviation. Its varied client base includes a wide range of aircraft lessors, which the firm has advised on a series of sanctions issues linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Aside from lessors, the firm advises a wide range of other financial institutions, airlines and investors. Marie O’Brien is rated for establishing aircraft leasing platforms in Ireland, is head of the aviation and transport finance group, and is a recognised leader in the market alongside the immensely experienced Séamus Ó Cróinín. Maria McElhinney is gaining further recognition for cross-border matters, while Keith Mulhern is another key partner.

Matheson LLP has a background in domestic and cross-border financing, leasing, commercial debt, capital markets transactions  and export credit agency-supported financings. It is also rated for its experience in aviation restructurings and aviation regulatory matters. It has an outstanding client base of aircraft lessors, in particular, and has recently worked intensively in M&A transactions involving asset leasing companies. It has made a further impression in establishing aviation debt acquisition platforms, advising on the first regulated aviation fund in Ireland and the first Shariah-compliant aircraft financing structure in Ireland. Rory McPhillips and Stuart Kennedy co-head the aviation finance and transportation group, which also includes Yvonne McWeeney. Stephen Gardiner left the firm in early 2025.

McCann FitzGerald LLP has a highly-rated bench of partners, along with a sizeable team of associates. Seven partners are active in the aviation finance and leasing arena with the wider team having an extensive record in establishing aviation platforms, aviation M&A, aviation capital markets transactions (including aircraft portfolio securitisations and unsecured note issuances), syndicated financings, sale and leasebacks, and corporate reorganisations and restructurings. Sanctions, insurance and ESG matters are also core to the practice. Joe Fay, Hilary Marren and Georgina O’Riordan are established names in the market, while Ian Payne, Richard Gill and Laura Deignan are also key partners. Catherine Deane retired in February 2024.

Arthur Cox‘s asset finance practice largely centres on aviation leasing and finance. The firm has a global reach with offices in Dublin, Belfast, London, New York, and San Francisco. Its asset finance team advises a range of major leasing platforms, along with a number of new entrants to the market. Ruth Lillis has made a further impression in representing clients in establishing new aviation leasing platforms in Ireland, while continuing to represent airlines, large financial institutions and alternative lenders in substantial aviation financings, including distressed transactions. Fintan Kerins is another prominent team member.

Maples Group‘s aviation finance work is closely associated with its expertise in asset-backed securitisations and CLOs, along with the establishment of aviation platforms and private equity investments. With its fiduciary services arm, the firm is particularly noted for structured transactions involving a Cayman TopCo and Irish SPV; the Dublin team frequently works alongside colleagues in the Cayman Islands. With further expansion in the CLO sector, the Dublin office has also gained additional traction in the rail rolling stock sector. Led by Mary O’Neill, the team also features Alex Walsh and Eoin O’Leary. Stephen Gardiner was a new arrival in early 2025.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP is widely recognised for its record in advising large ECAs, along with airlines and aircraft lessors. It has particular expertise in the Cape Town Convention and is further noted for expertise in securitisations, warehouse financings, and sale and leaseback transactions. David McGovern is an immensely experienced aviation finance specialist, along with Christine O’Donovan, who served as chair of the firm from 2020 to 2024.

Walkers has continued to cement its position in the market, particularly in relation to aircraft securitisations, investment fund-backed aviation platforms, aviation joint ventures and M&A transactions, and commercial aviation lending platforms. It frequently advises aircraft lessors, banks, investment funds and airlines. Matt Hedigan and Killian McSharry have gained further recognition in the market, with Caitlín Friel and Elliot Milton providing further senior expertise. The Dublin team is also supported by Irish law asset finance specialist Donna Ager in London.

William Fry LLP retains an impressive client base of financial institutions, airlines, leasing companies, export credit agencies (ECAs), funds and others. It has a fine record in cross-border asset financing, leasing and restructuring matters. David Maughan has extensive experience in the aviation finance field, including aircraft leasing platforms, aircraft portfolio securitisations and sale and leaseback transactions. Mary Ward also has a major focus on aviation and asset finance with an eminent record in representing banks and ECAs.