Bird & Bird has appointed a former Virgin Atlantic counsel as a partner to head its aviation practice in Asia.

Leo Fattorini is based in the UK firm's Singapore office, and is the first dedicated aviation partner in the region.

While at Virgin, Fattorini oversaw all aircraft finance and leasing matters, and managed relationships with aircraft and engine manufacturers, lessors and overhaul suppliers.

He was among the team who oversaw the joint venture with Delta, heading up the associated transatlantic code share element, and advised the airline on numerous cross-border competition law issues and Heathrow slot exchange agreements.

He also led during Virgin's negotiations with carriers such as Aer Lingus and China Airlines related to the sub-leasing of Virgin aircraft.

Prior to his role at Virgin, Fattorini was previously part of the aircraft finance team at DLA Piper. He has a total of 10 years' experience in the aviation industry.

Co-Head of the international aviation group at Bird & Bird, Paul Briggs commented: "Brett Hailey's recruitment in London earlier this year gave us big ticket aircraft finance capability.

"Now Leo has joined we have practical 'touching the metal' capability in Asia to advise airlines, lessors and investors on all legal issues."

Alban Kang who heads Bird & Bird's Singapore office added: "Over recent years we have developed a broad aviation practice through our offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia, acting for some of the major airlines in the region and a number of other industry parties.

"I'm delighted we now have a leading aviation professional on board who will help drive our aviation offering throughout Asia."

Bird & Bird currently has four offices in Asia Pacific, located in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore.

It also has cooperative arrangements with local firms in Sydney and Malaysia, and is in the process of growing its geographical presence and non-IP capability in the region.

In the next three to five years the UK firm wants Asia to account for 20% of its global revenues, and in November cited the region as its biggest growth area for the first half of this financial year.