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Stuart Kennedy is a "consummate professional".

European Legal 500

Expertise 

Stuart is a partner in the Finance and Capital Markets Department and advises on all aspects of aviation, shipping, rail and other asset financing, trading and leasing matters on a daily basis.  Stuart has gained considerable experience in advising on the structuring of aircraft purchase, sale, financing and leasing transactions and acts for a number of aircraft lessors, financiers and airlines in leveraged, syndicated and export credit agency backed financing facilities.  Stuart also has considerable experience in advising on structured finance, ABS (asset-backed securities) and repackaging transactions relating to all such asset classes including the establishment of special purpose companies funded by public and private issuances.

Stuart also regularly advises Irish airlines and leasing companies on airline licencing and registration issues with the Irish Aviation Authority and Commission for Aviation Regulation in addition to all aspects of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol.

Stuart regularly presents to aircraft and aircraft engine lessors on all aspects of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol and to company directors on their duties and responsibilities under Irish law.

Stuart is also a lecturer and tutor on the Law Society of Ireland’s Diploma in Aviation Leasing and Finance.

 

Experience Highlights
  • Advised on a US$ 349.1 million EETC (enhanced equipment trust certificate) transaction to finance 10 aircraft for an airline, which represented the first public EETC for that airline.
  • Advised on a US$1.21 billion asset-backed securitisation in connection with the acquisition of a portfolio of 48 aircraft with leases attached.
  • Advised an Irish aircraft lessor on its US$4 billion aircraft portfolio sale.
  • Advised one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines on establishing long-haul operations by setting up a new Irish airline.
  • Acted as Irish counsel for an aircraft lessor on its US$120 million revolving pre-delivery payment facility to finance 20 Airbus A320-200 aircraft over a period of two years.
  • Advised an aircraft lessor on the export credit agency supported financing of a portfolio of Bombardier CRJ-1000 aircraft.
  • Advised on the export credit agency supported financing of Embraer ERJ 190-200 aircraft.
  • Advised on the Export–Import Bank of China supported financing of a portfolio of Airbus and Boeing aircraft by an Irish aircraft lessor.
  • Advised an Irish aircraft lessor on the acquisition of a large portfolio of Airbus and Boeing aircraft with leases attached.
  • Advised an Irish aircraft lessor on the consolidation of its various leasing platforms containing over 60 aircraft.
  • Regularly advises in relation to engine and equipment leasing.
  • Regularly acts as Cape Town counsel.
Accolades

Stuart Kennedy is recognised 
Airline Economics ‘40 under 40’ guide 2020

Stuart Kennedy is recommended.
European Legal 500 2020

Stuart Kennedy is named a next generation partner.
European Legal 500 2020

"Stuart Kennedy lets you know the pros and cons of all avenues, lets you be fully informed of all of the commercial realities and outcomes."
Banking and Finance: Chambers Global 2020

Stuart Kennedy is named ‘Highly Regarded’
IFLR1000 2020

Stuart Kennedy is named a next generation lawyer.
European Legal 500 2019

Stuart Kennedy is "incredibly diligent and highly responsive, he is a really safe pair of hands and we are thrilled".
Chambers Europe 2019

Stuart Kennedy is "responsive, knowledgeable, unflappable and extremely helpful." 
IFLR1000 2019

"Stuart Kennedy and Yvonne McWeeney each consistently show dedication and commitment. Their knowledge of the financial sector is evident in each transaction they work on, and their responsiveness and focus has ensured that deals are always closed in a timely manner."
Chambers Europe 2018

"Stuart Kennedy is incredibly diligent and very client-focused."
Chambers Europe 2018

Stuart Kennedy is a "consummate professional".
European Legal 500 2018

Stuart Kennedy is named a next generation lawyer.
European Legal 500 2018

Stuart Kennedy is named a Rising Star.
IFLR1000 2018

“Stuart is extremely professional and a pleasure to deal with. Stuart is calm under pressure and very accommodating. He is conscientious and very knowledgeable.”
IFLR1000 2018

Stuart Kennedy is named a next generation lawyer.
European Legal 500 2017

Stuart has been recognised as a “rising star” by Airfinance Journal in its 2013 Guide to Aviation Lawyers.

Education

University of Limerick, Bachelor of Arts in Law and Accounting

Admitted as a solicitor in Ireland 

Admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales (non-practising) 

Airline Economics 40 under 40 2020 Announced

Sep 7, 2020, 22:30 PM
We are very pleased to announce that Matheson partners Stuart Kennedy, Rory McPhillips and Yvonne McWeeney have been recognised in Airline Economics’ prestigious “40 under 40 2020” list of the most outstanding individuals in that age group active in the aviation finance and leasing sector.
Title : Airline Economics 40 under 40 2020 Announced
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Insight Date : Aug 7, 2020, 12:10 PM
We are very pleased to announce that Matheson partners Stuart Kennedy, Rory McPhillips and Yvonne McWeeney have been recognised in Airline Economics’ prestigious “40 under 40 2020” list of the most outstanding individuals in that age group active in the aviation finance and leasing sector.

The “40 under 40 2020” is comprised of global talent across all sectors in the aviation industry including lawyers, airline executives, bankers and others.  Those recognised are nominated by their peers, colleagues and clients in recognition of their skills, achievements and dedication to the industry.

The recognition of the firm’s Aviation Finance and Transportation partners is reflective of their extensive experience in advising on the structuring of cross border aircraft purchase, sale, financing and leasing transactions, and on structured finance, ABS (asset-backed securitisation) and repackaging transactions relating to aircraft and other asset classes.

This result adds to the firm's multiple award wins this year and these successes bring welcome public recognition to the innovative advice being offered by our colleagues to clients in this sector.

For further information on the Airline Economics 40 under 40 2020 publication, click here.

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