The aviation sector is currently facing unprecedented challenges, with disruption caused by the closure of borders and quarantine restrictions, and with potential repercussions affecting the industry for years to come.
Our aviation law specialists
Our international multi-disciplinary team will advise you on the full breadth of aviation industry related work including corporate, commercial, intellectual property, employment, dispute resolution, real estate and competition issues.
For decades, we have worked and continue to work with major players in the sector, including national and regional airlines, government ministries, airport operators, aircraft, engine and component manufacturers, training providers, cargo and ground services suppliers.
The diversity of our client base means we understand the commercial pressures that different organisations in this industry face and tailor our advice and approach to meet your business needs and objectives.
Read more below about our work with Airlines and Airports.
Airlines
Airlines are currently dealing with a myriad of pressures. With travel restrictions constantly changing and reduced passenger numbers, airlines are also juggling their normal operations and day-to-day issues such as staffing, commercial relationships, brand recognition and sponsorships.
We can support your business needs by advising on corporate and commercial matters, resolving disputes, intellectual property matters, sponsorship agreements, employment and pension law. We know that each airline has its own unique business goals and pressures so we will tailor our advice to ensure your business continues to thrive and grow.
Key contact: Patrick Gearon
Airports
Airport operators and owners are facing an unprecedented business environment due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reduced passenger numbers are causing real concern for airports together with the related staffing and employment issues. Airports may also face complex and frequent renegotiation or disputes through their commercial relationships with airlines and service providers.
We will work closely with you and your suppliers to help address a broad range of employment law and HR issues, dispute negotiations, airport infrastructure contracts, procurement and tendering processes and any contractual disputes that may arise. If your ambitions are to grow and develop, we can work alongside you to help expand and modernise the services you offer.
Key contact: Paula Boast
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please feel free to contact Patrick Gearon or any other contact listed below.
Meet the aviation law team
- Call Paula +973 17 133212
- Email Paula
- Manama office
- Call Megan +44 (0) 207 438 2235
- Email Megan
- London office
- Call John +44 (0)20 7203 5131
- Email John
- London office
- Call David +44(0)1483 252614
- Email David
- Guildford office
- Call Paul +44 (0)20 7203 5110
- Email Paul
- London office
- Call Michael +44 (0)20 7203 5216
- Email Michael
- London office
- Call Mark +971 4 246 1921
- Email Mark
- Dubai office
- Call Nick +44 (0)20 7438 2294
- Email Nick
- London office
- Call Richard +44 (0)1242 246357
- Email Richard
- Cheltenham office
Some of our clients







Our thinking
Jessica Williams
Premier League Football Clubs keep boots on the ground as Jota Aviation ceases business
Hamish Perry
Charles Russell Speechlys advises on the sale of No.1 Lounges Ltd to SwissportALD
SwissportALD will run nine No.1 Lounge properties at the UK’s London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Birmingham airports.
Max Davis
Up, up and dismay: Airlines bring judicial review challenge to the government's traffic light system for holiday destinations
Daniel Rosenberg
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Apollo Aerospace Components on acquisition of NYK Component Solutions
Apollo is an aerospace and defence supplier.
Paul Arathoon
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Avation plc on £7.5m secondary placing
Headquartered in Singapore, Avation plc manages a fleet of aircraft which it leases to airlines across the world.
Paul McCarthy
Travelling to the UK anytime soon? Don’t forget your (negative) COVID-19 test
Anna Rogers
ICO issues British Airways with a ground-breaking fine
On 16 October 2020, The Information Commissioner’s Office (the “ICO”) imposed a monetary penalty notice fining British Airways .
Hannah Edwards
Turbulent Times for Virgin Atlantic!
Hannah looks at Virgin Atlantic's plans for a private-only solvent recapitalisation
Hannah Edwards
Turbulent Times for Virgin Atlantic!
Jessica Williams
Fight or Flight time for Virgin Atlantic... is a restructure on the horizon?
Jessica looks at whether a formal insolvency process is on the horizon for the struggling Virgin Atlantic
Jessica Williams
Virgin Atlantic - not out of the (Necker the) woods yet...
Jessica looks at the news that Virgin Atlantic is the latest airline to apply for a government loan to continue to support its operations