Spearheaded by Leigh Borrello, HFW’s team advises on a host of transactional and contentious aviation-related matters, including structured aircraft financing, operating leasing, the sale and purchase of aircraft and security to recover aircraft where there is a default.

Since kickstarting its aviation practice in 2024, typical mandates for Wotton Kearney’s team have included an array of aviation litigation and insurance disputes.

As one of the preeminent law firms in Australia for aviation and market-leading expertise in regulatory matters, Clayton Utz is regularly sought out by aviation infrastructure clients. The team is well-placed to advise on major airport developments and aviation transport projects, as well as the full remit of competition, safety, security and environmental regulatory matters. The group is led by experienced Canberra-based partner Andrew Leece, who specialises in aviation regulatory matters, aviation-specific agreements, and major transport infrastructure. James Kendal advises a wide array of clients regarding their rights and responsibilities as they relate to contracts, legislation and regulatory matters, while Sarah Jones has in-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance and government procurement in relation to aviation infrastructure projects.

Allens has a comprehensive aviation offering, allowing the team to advise on competition matters, asset acquisition, contractual matters, and airline establishment. The practice group is co-led by experienced Sydney-based partners Renee Boundy, who specialises in the full remit of aviation finance matters, and Phil O’Sullivan, who focuses on contractual matters and re-tendering processes. Victoria Holthouse has a high level of experience and knowledge in the real estate development and aviation spheres, handling co-ownership and other commercial agreements, financing, and tenders for major airport developments.

HWL Ebsworth is home to an experienced aviation team whose varied case load involves advice on liability claims and dispute resolution, as well as regulatory compliance and commercial transactions. The team is jointly steered by aviation head Matthew Brooks and national head of transport Joe Hurley, both of whom are based in Sydney. Brooks is well known in the market for providing advice to domestic and international airlines in relation to the full remit of aviation disputes. A specialist in contentious matters, Kristin Hibbard stands out for her handling of aviation casualty and contractual claims, while Jayne Heatley’s broad expertise covers leasing and finance of aircraft, aeronautical service agreements and regulatory advice. Vicki Jenner is a key contact for clients seeking early intervention in disputes, including cargo, discrimination and international convention claims.

Clyde & Co LLP’s aviation team covers a wide array of matters, including commercial transactions, drone-related matters, regulatory compliance and litigation. At the helm of the practice in Sydney is Melissa Tang, a skilled aviation practitioner who is especially proficient in commercial litigation, with her caseload including complex airline liability, catastrophe, and subrogation recoveries with cross-border elements. Ernest Van Buuren is also a key name to note for regulatory compliance matters, as well as aviation litigation.

Aviation projects and litigation form the cornerstone of the practice at Colin Biggers & Paisley, with the firm positioned to act on insurance claims, regulatory advice and policy wording. The aviation team is jointly steered by Andrew Tulloch and Stephen Thompson. Based in Victoria, Tulloch is well-regarded in the sector for his expertise in aviation insurance litigation, including acting for passengers and relatives of passengers injured or killed in commercial aviation accidents. Thompson leads the practice in New South Wales, and is adept at handling the full remit of transactional and advisory matters. Andrew Probert and Lachlan Boughton are other noteworthy practitioners in the aviation area, specialising in insurance and large-scale commercial litigation, respectively.

K&L Gates‘ well-established client base includes international, national and regional airlines as well as major Australian airports. Typical mandates for the team include licence agreements, airport infrastructure projects, regulatory compliance and aviation litigation. Leading the practice fromBrisbane, Tom Young brings to bear extensive experience in handling airport privatisations and providing advice on intrusions into prescribed airspace. Julie Brown is recommended for her expertise in dealing with aviation regulators, while Chris Wille combines his knowledge of the aviation sector with his expertise in real estate to advise on airport developments. Sandra Steele is a key advisor for contentious and non-contentious construction law matters. The team was further strengthened by the addition of Paul Lalich, who brings experience in infrastructure agreements, statutory approvals and environmental regulation, from HWL Ebsworth in August 2024.

Mills Oakley has developed a wide aviation practice, with the team geared towards supporting aviation operators on all aspects of airline, RPT and medivac services, as well as advising airports on regulatory compliance and construction matters. The team’s varied case load includes advising on leasing documentation and aviation litigation. Co-leading the team from Sydney, Gavin Douglas is noted for his depth of experience in advising on operational contracts, cross-border leasing of aircraft, and government and commercial tenders for the provision of aviation services. Co-heading the practice in Brisbane, Rechelle Brost leads on transactional construction matters in the aviation industry, advising on contracting issues, apron expansions and aerobridge procurement.