Stuart Kennedy is a "consummate professional".
Asset Finance: The 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.
- 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.
"Stuart Kennedy has extensive knowledge about the aviation industry, providing an exceptional service and going the extra mile in terms of meeting clients’ needs. Stuart offers practical advice and is very astute to the commercial aspects. He is professional and patient when explaining complex legal issues, taking the time to ensure we are fully informed on all aspects of our deals."
Transport: The European Legal 500 2024
"It is very apparent to the client that Stuart Kennedy, Yvonne McWeeney, Stephen Gardiner and Rory McPhillips actively work together to support each other to ensure that all deals are properly serviced and executed. I always feel when working with the team that there is a partner available to advise or support on any issue which we may have."
Transport: The European Legal 500 2024
"Stuart Kennedy is excellent to work with. Very responsive and great quality of work."
Transport: The European Legal 500 2024
"Stuart Kennedy is unsurpassed when it comes to experience and how to get the transaction done efficiently and on time."
Asset Finance: The European Legal 500 2024
“Stuart Kennedy is extremely personable and approachable, he is always available to assist with excellent advice and pragmatic solutions.”
Asset Finance: The European Legal 500 2024
"Stuart Kennedy is very fair and commercially minded. He looks at the transaction as a whole and doesn't pick fights just to be difficult; he always looks at the requirements of the transaction and gets down to the important points, and facilitates the
deal."
Asset Finance: Chambers Global and Europe 2024
Stuart Kennedy is very fair and commercially minded.”
Asset Finance: Chambers Global and Europe 2024
"He is very good at getting deals done.
Asset Finance: Chambers Global and Europe 2024
"Stuart is very professional and always goes out of his way to deliver a top service for his clients."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2023
"Stuart has always been responsive, and to the point. Also extremely knowledgeable in the aviation space. He is my go-to person for Irish law matters."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2023
"Stuart is a very experienced and knowledgeable aviation finance lawyer. He knows 'everybody' in the industry and is very responsive. He is the 'go to' aviation finance lawyer in Dublin."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2023
"Stuart Kennedy is highly recommended. Takes a proactive approach and highly service oriented."
Asset Finance: The European Legal 500 2023
"Stuart Kennedy is our main relationship partner. My first choice for most matters on the transaction side."
Asset Finance: The European Legal 500 2023
"Very fast response, appropriate advice and very knowledgeable."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2022
"Very professional, knowledgeable and responsive."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2022
"Very responsive and diligent lawyer who manages his team well."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2022
"Extremely well organised and responsive. Very detail-oriented. Very knowledgeable with regards to specifics of each of the various aspects of the matters he works on."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2022
"He has extensive knowledge about the aviation industry and goes the extra mile in terms of meeting clients’ needs. He is very responsive, keen to assist and patient when explaining complex legal issues, ensuring we are fully informed on all aspects
of our deals. He is always accessible to clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is working in the aviation industry."
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2022
Stuart Kennedy is "very responsive and always quick to jump on a call if needed which is always helpful."
Transport: The European Legal 500 2022
"Stuart Kennedy in particular and Yvonne McWeeney also are standouts in their legal practices."
Asset Finance: The European Legal 500 2022
Stuart Kennedy "is responsive and provides clear advice on complex matters,"
Asset Finance: Chambers Global and Europe 2022
Stuart Kennedy "is very easy to work with, has in-depth knowledge about the aviation industry, and is commercial and delivers very quickly".
Transport: The European Legal 500 2021
Stuart Kennedy is recognised
Airline Economics ‘40 under 40’ guide 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."
Asset Finance: Chambers Europe and Global 2020
Stuart Kennedy is named ‘Highly Regarded’
Asset Finance: IFLR1000 2020
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)