Senior Associate London
Every year, Airfinance Global identifies its ‘rising stars’ by asking readers around the globe to nominate promising young lawyers whose work has made a notable impression on the aviation industry.
A member of WFW’s aviation finance and leasing practice since 2021, Michael has extensive experience advising a range of clients on a variety of cross-jurisdictional finance, leasing, restructuring and sale and purchase transactions.
Michael supported in drafting the first edition of the Aviation EU Taxonomy Best Practices Manual, which provides the aviation industry with guidance on various aviation technical screening criteria under the EU taxonomy. Michael also coordinated a review of the EU, UK and CH emissions trading schemes gathering and collating data from 23 law firms across 31 jurisdictions. Michael has also been part of a number of WFW highlight transactions including advising Apollo Global Management on the US$700m debtor-in-possession financing for Scandinavian Airlines as part of the airline’s Chapter 11 restructuring.
With eight years’ experience as Legal Counsel at BOC Aviation and dual qualified in England & Wales and China, Yue has a valuable perspective of the aviation industry. At WFW she has leveraged her in-house experience to assist bank and lessor clients on a wide range of aviation-related transactions including aircraft sales, purchases and financings, as well as lease restructurings. Yue has played an active role in the Aviation Working Group, supporting its efforts in China on the Cape Town Convention and related issues. Notably, she supported in advising three lessors on the historic merger of Vistara and Air India.
Global Aviation and Aerospace Sector Head Jim Bell commented: “I am delighted that both Michael and Yue have been recognised as rising stars by Airfinance Global – an incredible achievement that reflects their individual dedication and talents, as well as the strength of WFW’s global aviation and aerospace practice. Huge congratulations to them both”.
