Blueberry Aviation, a leading helicopter and commercial aircraft trading and asset management company, has appointed Sofiane Cherchali as its vice president, contracts. Cherchali brings invaluable legal experience in aviation and aviation finance. His primary responsibilities as VP contracts across Blueberry's global operations will be to support all transactions and help drive business efficiency.

Cherchali is a qualified solicitor in England and a qualified lawyer in France and Spain. He started his career in aircraft finance in English law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP's Paris office. He then worked at the Paris head offices of Proparco and Bpifrance, both French financial institutions and then for TSE, a French independent solar energy developer and producer, specialising in finance and corporate law matters.

He will work alongside Philippa Cottle who remains head of legal, focusing on group corporate and governance matters.

Cherchali comments: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Francois and his commercial teams at this critical milestone for the company. [Blueberry Aviation celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023]. I am eager to contribute to its growth and success through my role at Blueberry Aviation.”

Cherchali takes up his new role as at 3rd July 2023 and is based in Blueberry Aviation's Monaco office.

“Sofiane's profile and expertise are a perfect fit for our company. His international background and expertise in aviation finance will doubtless make an important contribution to Blueberry Aviation's business,” comments Francois Gautier, Blueberry Aviation's CEO. “His expertise will be a critical tool that we will bring to our customers to structure transactions for both commercial aircraft and helicopters activities.”