Holman Fenwick Willan has launched an aerospace and aviation practice with the hire of Barlow Lyde & Gilbert's highly-rated aviation team.

The eight partner-team is joining Holman across its London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sao Paulo and Dubai offices.

The partners are Sue Barham (London), Peter Coles (Hong Kong), Richard Gimblett (London and Dubai), Mert Hifzi (Singapore), Nicholas Hughes (London), Giles Kavanagh (London), Keith Richardson (Singapore) and Jeremy Shebson (London and Sao Paulo).

Holman said that it has been looking at the aerospace and aviation market for some time in response to client demand.

Holman senior partner Richard Crump (pictured) said: "Strategically, this is a very positive move for the firm, enabling us to bring in this market-leading capability, as well as add to the range of services available to our existing client base.

"The international spread of the partners fits with our firm very well and we believe the synergies will be many and that our clients will also benefit greatly from this."

Barlows CEO David Jabbari said: "As part of our fresh strategic focus we have made clear our commitment to our priority and core markets of insurance and dispute resolution both in the UK and internationally. This is where we want to be and where our clients want us to be."

"We are already reaping the benefits of this strategy. Our focus remains on the implementation of the next phase of our strategic plans, growth, and further enhanced profitability for the forthcoming financial year. The departure of our aviation partners does not in any way detract from that focus."

"Our international reach is integral to our growth plans. We are committed to exploring opportunities to build on our strong core business overseas."

The partner group's start dates are still to be negotiated with Barlows' management.

The hires follow a raft of hire for Holman in recent months. The firm most recently bulked up its energy practice in Australia with local partner Robert Desmond and former Clifford Chance partner Christine Ferguson, while in January it added Elborne Mitchell City insurance and reinsurance partner Jonathan Bruce and Hogan Lovells tax partner Herve Israel in Paris.

Meanwhile, Barlows recently set out a new international growth strategy in February this year following a consultation among its partners. The firm is intending to substantially build up its international practice, with markets including the US, continental Europe and the Middle East all under discussion.