Partner (Aviation Litigation And Regulation)
CurrentAviation Litigation & RegulationLease and redelivery disputesRepresented a number of airlines and lessors on high-value disputes arising out of the operation of wet and dry leases, maintenance, redelivery or repossession of leased aircraft and engines over a range of issues including compliance with return conditions, AOGs, C-Checks, airframe structural repairs, engine shop visits, engine thrust increases, APUs, and whether maintenance events qualify for release from accrued maintenance reserves.Regulatory adviceAdvised airlines on a variety of commercial and regulatory aspects, including the setting up of a new UK airline, new cabin baggage policies, initial and continuing airworthiness requirements, air operations, flight and cabin crew and maintenance personnel licences, and the ability to continue the uninterrupted operation of air services following Brexit.Dispute with maintenance repair and overhaul organisation (MRO)Advised a client in relation to a lien (or a right of retention) asserted by the MRO for alleged outstanding amounts owed by the operator, and the MRO's threat to part-out / sell the aircraft. Disputes with air navigation service providersRepresented Ryanair in challenging the interpretation of EC Regulation 391/2013 concerning the common charging scheme for air navigation charges in light of the Chicago Convention, ICAO Annex 8, and ICAO's policies and guidance.Disputes with airport slots coordinatorRepresented a number of airlines in defending / appealing substantial financial sanctions proposed / issued by airport slots coordinator related to those airlines' alleged operation at slot-coordinated (capacity constrained) airports at times significantly different from the allocated slots. Disputes with airportsRepresented several carriers on disputes with airports over airport fees and charges, ground handling services, discriminatory pricing, and state aid.
