Ellen H. Fontanella is a Partner in the Global Transport Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP.
Ms. Fontanella has represented airlines in connection with the acquisition, leasing and financing of air transport and corporate aircraft and other equipment. Recent transactions include negotiation and documentation of several financing facilities including credit facilities provided by insurance companies and commercial lenders as well as facilities provided by international development financing organizations; operating leases, secured loans, export credit facilities provided by the U.S. Eximbank, BNDES, Export Credit of Canada and European Export Credit Agencies (ECAs); also negotiation and documentation of several multi-aircraft purchase agreements of Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and Bombardier aircraft and related engine purchase and support agreements in connection with carrier fleet development; pre-delivery payment financing facilities including credit facilities provided by commercial lenders and facilities provided by international development financing organizations. Ms. Fontanella is also responsible for drafting corporate documents for the airlines, supervising and managing Latin American outside counsel on various transactions as well as for drafting corporate governance and transactional documents for the airlines. Ms. Fontanella has represented clients in connection with acquisition financings and general corporate and commercial matters.
