Clyde & Co is ‘very focused on customer care,’ acting for airlines, their insurers and reinsurers in major hull loss and damage claims, with further expertise in regulatory and transactional issues. Maria Cetta acts across the spectrum of aviation liability claims, including hull loss and personal injury, with Rob Ireland marrying a liability practice with knowledge of consumer regulation. Rob Lawson KC is sought out for carrier liability disputes and regulatory challenges. Gareth Lewis advises on claims arising out of disasters, ground operations and issues tied to MROs, while John Samiotis is noted for his experience in handling catastrophic loss claims. Craig Rooney maintains a broad disputes practice, covering matters rooted in major loss and damage claims.

Described as ‘a clear market leader in the area,’ DLA Piper offers a breadth of advice across the aviation sector, acting for airlines, OEMs and insurers facing regulatory hurdles, insurance issues and a variety of commercial challenges. Tony Payne heads the group, acting for carriers on regulatory matters, including ICAO conventions. Payne and Mark Franklin are also engaged for aviation disputes arising out of major accidents, groundings and issues between lessors and lessees. Kathryn Ward is sought after for representation in the aftermath of accidents, handling liability issues, with dual qualified (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) John Gilfedder acting for sector clients and their insurers in similar matters. Sophie Brophy and Camilla Bonfield are noted for their aviation disputes practices.

HFW is the firm of choice for a number of insurers and reinsurers looking to defend high value claims in the aviation sector, while also maintaining broader disputes, regulatory and commercial practices. Heading the team in tandem are Edward Spencer, noted for his representation of insurers in coverage disputes, and David Brotherton, whose asset financing experience is sought out by lessors, operators and financiers, including on sale-and-leaseback and portfolio transactions. Mert Hifzi handles the spectrum of aviation insurance matters, including carrier and product liability in addition to coverage disputes, while Zohar Zik is a key contact for airlines requiring regulatory, leasing or finance advice. Mark Waters maintains a broad practice encompassing passenger rights, licensing and various regulatory challenges.

Kennedys is noted for its specialisation in running airline liability defences, and is equally adept in acting for insurers in matters tied to hull damage and loss claims. The July 2023 arrival of Reed Smith LLP‘s Adam Longney sees the firm expand its offering to include aviation asset finance and leasing, with Longney also bringing expertise in MRO and support contracts. Simon Balls heads the group, acting for major airlines on loss, personal injury and cargo claims. Mark Welbourn handles insured claims for several major UK airlines in addition to overseeing consumer regulatory issues, with Alexandra Rodina handling claims arising out of catastrophic losses, with a focus on the former Soviet bloc.

The team at Norton Rose Fulbright handles work across the gamut of aviation matters, including assisting major airlines in delivery disputes and claims under warranties, EC261 claims and regulatory issues involving the CAA. The practice is headed by aviation disputes  expert Robin Springthorpe and Charlotte Winter, who tackles aircraft repossessions, redelivery disputes and contractual issues. Patrick Farrell brings considerable experience to bear in challenges to regulators and acts for aircraft owners in repossession proceedings. Commercial matters fall under the remit of Duncan Batchelor, an asset finance specialist who also oversees a variety of transactional and corporate structuring matters. Annabelle Wheeler represents clients in aircraft and engine leasing disputes, with Will Alete and Dan Cowdy being key contacts for airlines and lessors looking to conclude aircraft acquisition deals.

Bird & Bird LLP distinguishes itself by its abilities in handling 'complex technical cases' when advising airlines and aviation service providers on the implementation of new technologies into their operations. Paul Briggs is noted for assisting airlines in their modernisation and ESG initiatives, advising on the use of SAF, P2F conversions and the burgeoning eVTOL sector. On the contentious front, Sophie Eyre leads on repossession, redelivery and fraud matters, while also tackling proceedings arising out of insolvencies. Regulatory challenges are part of Simon Phippard‘s wheelhouse, covering engine performance issues and post-Brexit regulatory changes, with former Emirates in-house lawyer Hannah Moran-Ellis overseeing aircraft finance and leasing deals.

DAC Beachcroft LLP‘s ‘impressive and deep team’ counts aviation insurers, reinsurers and brokers amongst its clients, advising across coverage, defence and subrogation matters. Practice head Alex Stovold who offers ‘market and legal knowledge that is second to none' has considerable expertise working for clients across the globe in cross-border insurance disputes. Anna Anatolitou operates a mixed regulatory and insurance practice, and with Annabel Williamson acts for insurers in claims arising out of major losses. Lorraine Wilson acts for insurers in respect of hull all risk and war risk policies, with a regulatory aspect of her practice that covers slot restrictions, among other issues.

Acting for airlines, airports and lessors, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP handles disputes, regulatory and financing instructions in addition to providing support on other corporate transactions. The team is led by Robert Moore, who oversees mergers and joint ventures, and UK and EU competition law specialist Kim Dietzel, who often advises on challenges to CAA decisions. Gregg Rowan is well versed in aviation sector disputes, notably leasing issues and regulatory investigations. Further competition law expertise comes in the form of Clémence Barraud, who has experience in advising on matters affecting regulated sectors in both the UK and France.

Stephenson Harwood is a ‘beacon of aviation law expertise,’ acting for European and Asian airlines, lessors and financiers regarding the spectrum of transactions, disputes and regulatory challenges affecting the sector. Disputes lead Paul Phillips‘ ‘unparalleled experience’ is brought to bear on behalf of airlines and lessors on non-payment and aircraft recovery, with Richard Parsons advising a clientele of banks and operating lessors on financing transactions. Chloe Challinor and Patrick Bettle handle a broad range of aviation sector disputes, including issues around slots, leasing arrangements and regulatory matters.

Acting for airlines and airports alike, Addleshaw Goddard assists clients across the spectrum of aviation sector issues, including disputes with OEMs and service providers, the development of airport facilities and sustainability efforts, including usage of SAF. The ‘laser-focused’ Alex Hogarth heads the disputes arm of the practice, representing clients in issues tied to defective products, aircraft damage claims and more. Paul Hirst heads the overarching transport team, specialising in infrastructure development, with Sophie Black focusing on the development of airports and the regulations affecting their operation.

Milbank acts for a client roster composed of airlines, lessors and banks across JOLCO transactions and PDP financing amid a range of structured aircraft finance deals, while also overseeing the acquisitions and disposals of large aircraft portfolios. Jointly leading are James Cameron and Nick Swinburne, with the former being the key contact for asset finance and leasing transactions, and the latter taking on portfolio deals in addition to structuring asset and receivables-backed transactions. Andy McAdam is also recommended for financing and restructuring mandates in the aviation sector.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP‘s ‘technically excellent’ team assists airline clients looking to finance major aircraft orders and frequently acts for lessors in both the acquisition and disposal of portfolios of aircraft. Heading the practice are Sidanth Rajagopal, whose expertise encompasses aircraft financing, leasing and repossession, and Peter Sharp, who spearheads the firm’s contentious offering, where solicitor-advocate David Waldron provides further expertise. ‘Excellent aviation financing lawyer’ Manuela Krach handles transactions concerning commercial aircraft, engines and corporate jets.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP is a solid choice for clients looking to modernise their fleets, acting for lessors and asset managers on the acquisition of high-tech aircraft, while also advising corporations in the sector on M&A activity. Practice head Jim Bell specialises in structured and asset finance deals, including PDP finance, portfolio transfers and more. ‘Very effective litigator’ Tim Murray acts for airlines, lessors and airports in disputes concerning aircraft and engine leasing disputes and issues centred on lessee obligations.

Weightmans LLP provides a ‘very efficient‘ service to aviation insurers and reinsurers defending operator hull risk  and war risk coverage claims arising out of Russia, while also assisting them in bringing subrogation proceedings. 'Tenacious and hardworking' team lead Andrew Krausz tackles coverage and operator liability issues in addition to acting for parties in inquests. Adam Baker maintains a broad practice, covering general aviation disputes and claims arising out of pilot negligence, with particular knowledge of the German market. Sonia Lopez handles insurance claims brought in the wake of major hull losses and passenger claims.

Wikborg Rein entered the aviation arena with the September 2023 arrival of Gillie Belsham and her team from legacy firm Axiom Ince, taking on a number of major aviation insurance disputes, including defending all risk claims arising out of Russia. Those moving along with Belsham include Ben Ogden and Christopher Crane, who cover political risk and professional indemnity disputes, and Daniel Boden, whose practice centres on hull loss and product liability claims. Tim Wright‘s broad disputes practice covers contractual disputes, in addition to claims arising out of hull losses.

Lessors and airlines come to Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner for advice regarding the financing provisions for aircraft, including, sale-and-leaseback and JOLCO structures. Practice head Anton Chambers is instructed on cross-border asset finance and restructuring mandates, acting for financiers, lessors and aircraft operators. Ricardo de Oliveira provides further finance and leasing capabilities in addition to leveraging his in-house airline experience to advise on regulatory challenges.

CMS‘ aviation practice acts for airlines, insurers and airports across a range of disputes, including hull loss claims, repossessions and coverage disputes. Under the guidance of Gwen Edwards, the team also handles financing transactions concerning aircraft and engines, including sale-and-leaseback and PDP structures. Solicitor-advocate Alaina Wadsworth advises a roster of aviation insurers and reinsurers on the defence of coverage claims, with Nicola Fenton, who joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in February 2024, providing further contentious sector experience.

2024 saw asset finance and leasing specialist Victoria Koob take over as Holland & Knight (UK) LLP‘s executive partner, overseeing a practice that handles aircraft, engine and portfolio financing transactions. Robert Ricketts is ‘aptly qualified’ in all matters tied to aircraft financing, acting for banks, airlines and lessors as it relates to the acquisition and disposal of aircraft, leases and registration. Richard Sharman acts for debt and equity investors when dealing in aviation assets, while Debra Erni, who joined from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in January 2024, handles cross-border financing and leasing matters.

K&L Gates LLP provides support to clients engaged in aircraft leasing and is also well equipped to act for them in the event of leasing-related disputes, including non-payment and terminated transactions. The practice is headed by Philip Perrotta and Peter O’Hare on the transactional side, overseeing aircraft financing and leasing deals, utilising structures including portfolio transactions and warehousing deals. Taking the lead on the contentious front is Peter Morton, who acts on litigation concerning aircraft redelivery and repossession as part of a wider commercial disputes practice.

The lawyers at Keystone Law advise clients on matters ranging from regulatory challenges to issues arising from major hull losses. James Healy-Pratt, admitted in England and Wales, Ireland and New York, is adept at handling insurance claims, acting for insurers and reinsurers. Owen Hanna represents passengers injured in aviation incidents while also providing advice on product liability claims. Arriving from A&O Shearman in April 2024, Mario Jacovides augments the firm’s asset finance offering, covering PDPs and Islamic finance structures.

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is ‘focused on getting results without fuss,’ advising airlines and lessors on the acquisition, leasing and sale-and-leaseback of aircraft, including PDP and debt finance. Ben Graham-Evans and Mark Turnbull advise a deep roster of clients on the lease, acquisition and disposal of aircraft, engines and spares. Gareth Hawes‘ expertise revolves around cross-border transactions, advising airlines on leases and seasonal sub-leasing programs.

Fox Williams LLP's aviation team sits alongside the firm’s vaunted travel practice, advising established and startup airlines, aviation service and technology providers on commercial and regulatory matters, including dealings with the CAA. Practice head Lucy England is equally adept at assisting with aviation and travel regulations; she also advises clients on MRO and ground handling contracts.

Gowling WLG counts a number of high profile names in the aviation sector amongst its clients, acting for airlines, airports and service providers on matters ranging from M&A to procurement and employment issues, and more besides. Heading up the team is Elizabeth Williams, who utilises her expertise in infrastructure projects and procurement in relation to both civil and military aviation developments.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP 'punches well above its weight' in its aviation work, which includes acting for insurers and reinsurers in defending coverage claims, while also assisting airlines with a variety of commercial challenges. Described as 'absolutely first rate', practice head and employed barrister Louise High acts for insurers and reinsurers in coverage matters, working closely with Lisa Hillary.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP brings together a number of areas of expertise, including corporate, litigation and real estate, to advise aviation sector clients on matters ranging from aircraft finance to airport development and disputes arising from such matters. Practice head Sam Folley is a real estate specialist, advising airports on the construction of new facilities and advising on planning permission, including to allow additional aircraft movements.