Description

Synopsis

With more than 100 aerospace companies based here in Singapore, the aviation sector is a key component of our economy. Our guest speakers will provide an overview on possible opportunities in aviation both within and outside legal practice, and offer their perspectives on the diverse skill sets required to build a successful career in asset finance/finance generally.

About the Speakers

Adrian S. Dharsan
SVP Commercial
GENESIS

With over 23 years’ experience, Adrian been across our industry from travel agents to airlines, banks to lessors, from Hong Kong to Dublin to Singapore. His experience in aviation is global with a primary focus on doing business in Asia Pacific, Oceania,
and the South Asia.

Over those two decades, he has built an extensive global network with industry partners, competitors, OEMs, and customers. From Cathay Pacific to SMBC Aviation Capital, he considers himself fortunate to have worked with some of the best mentors and minds in the industry, many of whom he regards as close friends. He has opened several new markets, led in several airline restructurings during the last two global crises, and worked on many innovative solutions with OEMs, airline clients and other partners. He has participated in several industry events and conferences as a participant, panellist and moderator on topics of the day.

He graduated from NUS Law in 1997 with his LL.B. and is proud to be an Advocate & Solicitor of The High Court of Singapore (nonpractising). In 2004, he earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. He was also elected
by his industry colleagues as a Board Director of ISTAT (International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading) in April 2021.

When he is not on the road, Adrian relaxes with his acoustic guitar, enjoys DJing and is an ever-improving golfer. As part of his belief in paying it forward, he is always available to mentor others, is politically active in his
community, and helps his fellow Singaporeans through local grassroot programs.

James P. Bradley
Partner
K&L Gates

James Bradley is a partner based in Singapore focused in advising on a variety of transactions in the transportation and finance sectors. James’ experience has been gained through time as external and in-house counsel in roles based in Asia and Europe advising leading financial institutions, aircraft and engine lessors, airlines and other stakeholders on a variety of transactions.

He is experienced at advising on various aspects of financing, leasing, conflict resolution and restructuring across a variety of jurisdictions in relation to aircraft, engines and corporate jets. He has extensive experience of transactions in the transportation and finance sectors in the Asia and has worked in the region since 1996.

James has significant experience in advising numerous financial institutions such as Avation Plc, Sky Leasing, BOC Aviation, CDB Aviation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Nordic Aviation Capital, Jackson Square Aviation, Wings Capital Partners, CALC, AerCap, JP Lease, RRPF, BBAM, Chorus Aviation, Avenue Capital and MUFG, amongst others.

He is recognised as a leading lawyer in aviation by Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, IFLR1000 and led the K&L Gates’ aviation team to win the Aviation Law Firm of the Year award at the Asian Legal Business (ALB) SE Asia Law Awards 2020.

Nick Zaklama
Head of Transaction Management
Aviation PLC

Nick joined Avation PLC in 2019 as Head of
Transaction Management with responsibility for the company’s global portfolio of aircraft.
Based in Singapore, Nick has responsibility for aircraft and engines transactions in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and Oceania. Prior to joining Avation PLC, Nick was a senior lawyer with another aircraft lessor and held senior positions in private practice.

Nick holds law degrees from the University of Exeter and Trinity Hall, Cambridge and an Executive MBA from IE Business School/Brown University. He is a solicitor qualified in England and Wales.