Tom Coates

Tom works closely with banks, aircraft lessors, and airline operators to structure, negotiate, and manage aviation finance transactions. His practice centers on asset-based lending, advising on secured lending arrangements, aircraft and engine trading, and helicopter transactions. Tom counsels clients on a range of aircraft transactions, including negotiating lease terms, drafting security documentation, and coordinating with local counsel on registration and enforcement rights. He also supports payment financing, helping manufacturers and airlines manage liquidity during aircraft construction cycles.

Tom's Practice

Representative Matters

• Advising the buyer in connection with the purchase of 22 Embraer E190 aircraft on lease to a variety of operators.
• Advising a major international airline in connection with the unwind of JOLCO facilities relating to three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
• Advising the lender in connection with various aircraft financing facilities with a regional aircraft lessor.
• Advising the lessor in connection with the leasing of 10 Embraer 195-E2 jets to a South African operator.
• Advising a major African airline in connection with various new aircraft deliveries and financings.
• Advising GD Helicopter Finance in connection with the loan facility, leasing and related deliveries of multiple new Airbus H160 helicopters. This deal won Helicopter Investor’s Lessor Financing Deal of the Year in 2025
• Advising a major lender in connection with the purchase of one Airbus A350-900 on lease to Singapore Airlines.
• Advising a major Asian operator in connection with the lease novation of one Airbus A321neo.