WFW appointed by AWG to help develop aviation industry ESG financing and leasing principles4 February 2020

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) is delighted to announce that it has been instructed, along with Clifford Chance, by the Aviation Working Group (“AWG”), comprising many leading aircraft lessors, banks and manufacturers, to help develop industry-wide environment, social and governance (“ESG”) principles.

As legal advisers to the AWG on this project, WFW will help develop metrics, methods, emissions tracking, reporting and documentation and/or principles geared to the context of aviation financing and leasing.

The AWG is a not-for-profit legal entity comprised of major aviation manufacturers, leasing companies and financial institutions that contribute to the development of policies, laws and regulations that facilitate advanced international aviation financing and leasing.

The WFW London team advising the AWG is being led by Global Aviation Sector Co-Head Jim Bell, working closely with Aviation Of Counsels Dominic Pearson and Patrick Moore, Regulatory and Competition Partner Jeremy Robinson, Planning and Environment Partner Nick Walker and Senior Associate Rachael Davidson, and Professional Support Lawyer Elaine Ashplant.

Jim commented: “We are deeply honoured that the AWG selected WFW to be one of only two firms to advise them on such an important initiative which will help promote responsible environmental and social behaviour throughout the industry. That they did so clearly highlights the reputation for expertise and excellence enjoyed by WFW’s aviation practice and, given that the firm also helped develop the maritime industry equivalent of these principles (see here), the firm’s high standing across the broader transport sector also”.