Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

Image courtesy Norton Rose Fulbright
 
Leo Fattorini (above) joins from Bird & Bird, where he led the firm’s global aviation practice. He has extensive experience in aircraft finance and leasing – with a high ranking in Chambers Global – and a deep understanding of aviation commercial and technology contracts. 
 
Leo previously held a senior position within the legal team of a major UK airline, giving him a unique insight into the business operations and strategy of airline companies and how legal advice can be most effectively tailored to their needs. 
 
Having spent over a decade in Singapore, Leo has developed strong ties across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular experience in India, where he has supported over 250 aircraft deliveries. His regional insight and growing profile in the Middle East will further strengthen Norton Rose Fulbright’s global aviation offering. 
 
Joining with Leo are counsel Chris Healy, senior associate Adam Smart, associate Chow Yue Poon, newly qualified solicitor Jennie Chan and paralegal Germin Tan. 
 
The team is expected to be based initially across Singapore and Hong Kong, bringing additional depth to the firm’s Asia-Pacific aviation practice, and will also support the Middle East market. 
 
Duncan Batchelor, Global Head of Aviation at Norton Rose Fulbright, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leo and his team to Norton Rose Fulbright. Their arrival reinforces our commitment to delivering market-leading aviation finance advice across key global hubs. Leo’s vast experience – spanning private practice, in-house airline counsel, and international aircraft transactions – makes him the perfect fit for our firm. His deep industry knowledge, proven leadership and strong market recognition will be invaluable as we continue to grow our aviation offering.” 
 
Yu-En Ong, Head of Singapore at Norton Rose Fulbright, said: “Leo’s arrival marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of our aviation finance capabilities in Asia-Pacific. His deep regional experience, combined with his commercial acumen and leadership, will be a tremendous asset to our clients. We’re excited to welcome Leo and his team to our Singapore and Hong Kong offices, and look forward to the impact they will make across the region.” 
 
Leo said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Norton Rose Fulbright and to be part of a firm with such a strong global platform and reputation in the aviation industry. The firm’s international reach and collaborative culture make it an ideal environment to continue supporting clients across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to further strengthen our offering in this dynamic and fast-evolving sector.” 
 
Norton Rose Fulbright’s global team of aviation lawyers works with airlines, banks and financiers, lessors, manufacturers, insurers, export credit agencies, governments and regulatory bodies on the full range of aviation legal services. The firm, which has acted on many significant ‘first-of-their-kind’ matters, advises on financing and leasing transactions, fleet selection programmes, partnering arrangements with fellow carriers, travel companies and other third parties, restructurings, competition law compliance and a range of employment issues.