Bird & Bird has hired Leo Fattorini as a partner in its international aviation group in Singapore, as it looks to expand its regional aviation practice. Fattorini joins from Virgin Atlantic, where he held an in-house role.

Previously part of the aircraft finance team at DLA Piper, Fattorini has more than 10 years of experience in legal issues airlines must deal with, and a background in acting for lessors and financiers. This has included aircraft financing and leasing, negotiating sale and purchase agreements, and all forms of aircraft commercial agreements.

“Over recent years, we have developed a broad aviation practice through our offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia (through our associate firm Tay & Partners), acting for some of the major airlines in the region and a number of other industry parties,” said Alban Kang, head of Bird & Bird’s Singapore office, in a statement. “I’m delighted we now have a leading aviation professional on board who will help drive our aviation offering throughout Asia.”

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