At a Glance: Shabneez Seeroo of Veling Ltd.

Jetrader: What do you like most about the aviation industry?

Shabneez Seeroo (SS): What I love most about the aviation industry is the adrenaline it gives me. Aviation is never static; it is fast-moving, highly technical, commercially complex and global in every sense. Every transaction involves multiple jurisdictions, regulatory regimes, financiers, operators and manufacturers. That complexity keeps me constantly engaged.

Aircraft leasing, in particular, sits at the crossroads of law, finance, engineering and geopolitics. You are not simply working with assets; you are dealing with moving, high-value equipment that connects continents and economies. There is a thrill in knowing that the work I do every day directly supports aircraft flying across the world. That sense of momentum, combined with the scale of the assets involved, creates an environment that is both demanding and incredibly exciting.
 

Jetrader: What is the most challenging part of your profession?

SS: The most challenging part of my profession is managing risk in a constantly shifting global environment. Aviation is exposed to economic cycles, political change, regulatory evolution and technological disruption. As general counsel in an aircraft leasing business, you must anticipate problems before they arise, whether that is an airline’s financial distress, sanctions, regulatory changes, or issues with repossession and enforcement.

There is also pressure in balancing commercial objectives with legal protection. You are not there to say “no”; you are there to make sure the business can say “yes” safely. That requires a deep understanding not only of the law, but also of the commercial realities of airlines and lessors. It is demanding, but that is also what makes it intellectually rewarding.
 

Jetrader: Who has had the greatest influence on your career?

SS: The greatest influence on my career has undoubtedly been my managing director, Nirvan Veerasamy, who has more than 40 years of experience in the industry. He has been both a mentor and a challenger. At times, he has quite literally “thrown me into the sea,” meaning he has pushed me into situations where I had to swim, learn fast and take responsibility.

That approach has shaped who I am professionally. Instead of being protected from difficult situations, I was exposed to them early. I was trusted with responsibility, and that forced me to grow, to make decisions and to develop confidence. His experience, combined with his willingness to let me learn the hard way, has been the most powerful driver of my professional development.
 

Jetrader: What was your first job?

SS: My first job was as a practicing barrister in private practice. That experience gave me a very strong foundation in legal analysis, advocacy and precision. It taught me how to think critically, how to construct arguments and how to stand by my position, all of which remain essential skills in my current role.

The discipline and rigor of legal practice prepared me well for the complexity of international aviation transactions, where every clause matters and every risk must be carefully considered.
 

Jetrader: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?

SS: My advice is simple: Embrace being uncomfortable. Aviation, especially aircraft leasing, is not something you master overnight. You will be exposed to unfamiliar structures, international regulations, financial models and commercial pressures. That is part of the journey.

Find mentors who challenge you, not just those who support you. Be willing to be “thrown into the sea” because that is how you learn to swim. Also, take the time to understand the business, not just the legal or technical side. The more you understand how airlines operate and how lessors make money, the more valuable you will become.

Finally, never underestimate the importance of curiosity and resilience. Aviation rewards those who are willing to keep learning and who thrive on complexity and adrenaline and that is exactly what makes this industry so special.