Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados has a well-regarded aviation practice, advising both domestic and international airlines on transactions, regulatory compliance, and litigation. The team is experienced in launching new airline operations in Brazil and frequently handles asset-based financing, leasing, and aircraft purchase and sale agreements. In recent years, the team has focused heavily on debt and fleet restructurings for airline clients and has provided critical support during crisis situations, including major incident management. Practice head Fabio Falkenburger, a specialist in airport and aviation law, advises on project financing, airport concessions, and regulatory matters, and is also well-versed in M&A, aircraft leasing and financing. Vitor Barbosa works closely with Falkenburger and focuses on aviation finance. Pedro Amim advises on a range of cross-border and domestic financing, leasing, and operational matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very responsive. Excellent work product. Great relationship. We always know Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados will take care of our legal needs in Brazil. They have a vast knowledge of our industry in the region.’
‘We can always count on Fabio Falkenburger. He and his team deliver an excellent work product, in a very responsive manner, for all our legal requirements in Brazil. Pedro Amim works quickly to produce/solve our legal requirements in Brazil. ’
‘The technical support that the firm provides us is very different. The analyses are well-founded, detailed and always within the deadlines.'
‘We are always assisted by Fabio Falkenburger and his team, he is a legal reference in aviation matters.’
‘What makes it unique is its knowledge and experience in the aviation sector, efficiency, and business-oriented approach.’
‘In my opinion, Fabio Falkenburger is the best lawyer in Brazil's aviation sector. With unique technical expertise, he has worked for many years advising airlines, lessors and several strategic players in the sector. In addition to his rich legal knowledge, Fabio stands out for his impeccable professional demeanour and his ability to build safe, creative and viable solutions for his clients, always focusing on the reality of the business and risk mitigation. I would also like to highlight the work of his associate Vitor Barbosa - a true rising star!’
Key clients
- AerCap
- FTAI Aviation - Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors
- Credit Agricole CIB
- PK Airfinance S.A.r.l
- Avion Express
- LATAM Airlines Group S.A.
- TAM Linhas Aéreas S.A.
- PETROBRAS LOGÍSTICA DE E&P S.A. - PB-LOG
- JPMorgan Chase, NA
- Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemão
- Bank of America, NA
- Mercado Livre
Work highlights
Advised AerCap Holdings on a major debt restructuring in 2024, involving the renegotiation of over R$28bn in debt, including significant aircraft leasing obligations.
Assisted AerCap Holdings with the issuance of a note secured by cross-collateralised receivables, including agreements for early return of certain aircraft and the delivery of others under new lease terms.
Advised TAM Linhas Aéreas on aviation law matters, focusing on aircraft financing, lease agreements, and sale and purchase transactions involving aircraft, engines, auxiliary power units, and other aircraft components.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Pedro Amim
Vitor Barbosa
Practice head
Fabio Falkenburger
Other key lawyers
Vitor Barbosa; Pedro Amim