Profile: Berend Crans

Aviation

Biography: Aviation

After graduating at Leiden University, Berend Crans studied aviation law in London. He became a member of the Dutch bar in 1977 and became a partner of De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek in 1984.

After an initial focus on aviation liability matters, the emphasis of Berend Crans' practice shifted more and more to aircraft finance and leasing. Through the years, Berend Crans has represented airlines and insurers in liability matters, not only in connection with cargo claims but also in connection with aviation accidents.

Since the early 1990s, Berend Crans has represented aircraft and engine lessors and financiers in a variety of operational lease transactions and cross-border lease financing transactions, involving a range of jurisdictions. His experience also covers related transactions, such as the acquisition of aircraft lease portfolios and securitisations.

Berend Crans heads the firm's finance group as well as the firm's aviation industry group. He is a member of the board of editors of Air & Space Law and former chairman of the aviation law committee of the International Bar Association. Berend Crans is a frequent speaker at conferences on aviation law and aircraft finance, and publishes regularly on these subjects.

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek is a leading Dutch business law firm specialised in high-end legal and tax advice in business transactions and commercial litigation. The firm has offices in Amsterdam, The Hague, London and New York.