James Collins

Partner

London

James is an aviation finance expert, known for his commercial acumen and service excellence.

D +44 20 7809 2687
M +44 77 2070 3557

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Awards and Recognition

"James Collins is an exceptional lawyer; hugely pragmatic and commercial."

The Legal 500 UK 2025

"James provides industry insights and top-level service, and has a knowledgeable team supporting him."

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

"He is a fantastic lawyer who provides an incredible service to his clients."

"James provides an excellent service, with clear and easy-to-understand guidance."

"He listens very well and always tries to find solutions even when there are roadblocks, which allows deals to progress."

Chambers and Partners UK 2025

Ranked Lawyer - Aviation Finance
Chambers and Partners UK 2025

Leading Partner - Aviation Finance.
The Legal 500 UK 2025

Biography

Language - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales

James helps corporate investors, financial institutions, asset managers and operators of commercial aircraft to achieve their strategic goals.

James is particularly sought-after for his collaborative and outcome-focussed approach on deals. With over 15 years of industry experience, clients especially value his ability to combine deep sector knowledge with a business-orientated outlook to deliver tailored legal advice that delivers real-world value and mitigates risk. James is a popular choice among dealmakers looking for service excellence.

James is based in London and travels regularly to Dublin.

Experience

Trading (sell side)
Managed big-ticket leased and naked aircraft portfolio sales, involving complex transfer mechanics and cross-jurisdictional issues to navigate.
Trading (buy side)
Led high-value aircraft portfolio purchases from inception to close, including lease due diligence, negotiation of sale and lease assignment documentation and transfer of ownership logistics.
Operating leasing (lessor side)
Supported leasing companies and asset managers on the acquisition, leasing and ongoing management of new and used aircraft assets across multiple jurisdictions with a variety of airline credits.

Operating leasing (airline side)
Negotiated the operating leases of well over 100 aircraft assets for a leading Asian airline, involving as counterparties many of the world’s leading leasing companies and asset managers.
Financing (financier side)
Supported leasing companies and transportation banks on a variety of common financing structures, including finance leasing and tax-structured leasing deals.
Japanese operating leading (financier side)
Advised financiers on multiple Japanese operating leases with call options (JOLCOs) for leading European airlines.
Pre-delivery payment financing (financier side)
Advised leasing companies and financial institutions on pre-delivery payment structures for Airbus family aircraft. James’ experience includes working through a variety of step-in enforcement strategies with financiers and Airbus following airline insolvencies.