HFW
HFW‘s ’outstanding aviation practice’ advises airlines on a range of commercial matters, from joint ventures and start-up issues to airline alliance matters and risk management. The firm also offers a strong aviation insurance practice, handling a number of disputes on behalf of insurers facing billions of dollars in claims from lessors and financial institutions. Following Giles Kavanagh‘s election to senior partner in April 2022, Mert Hifzi moved from the firm’s Singapore office in January 2023 to assume leadership of the team, specialising in major insurance claims. Also relocating from Singapore was deputy practice head, David Brotherton, arriving in June 2022 and focusing on advising lessors on financing matters. Edward Spencer and Paul Woodley are noted for their insurance coverage practices, while Zohar Zik and Barbara Pansadoro specialise in aircraft finance and leasing. Legal director Mark Waters’ broad practice includes regulatory and disputes work. The September and October 2022 arrivals of Rebecca Quayle and senior associate Alana Checksfield from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner further strengthened the group. Peter Coles is also a new arrival, and joined the team from Clyde & Co in May 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This is an outstanding aviation practice that has real strength in depth across all fields in the sector.'
- 'Edward Spencer is a great strategic thinker who achieves positive outcomes for his clients.'
- 'Edward Spencer has a deep understanding of the aviation insurance market and is at the forefront of litigation concerning Russian aircraft impacted by sanctions.'
- 'Mert Hifzi is a great strategist and able to navigate any legal storm.'
- 'A highly knowledgeable team with strength in depth which has settled very quickly following Giles Kavanagh's elevation to senior partner.'
- 'Paul Woodley has risen to the challenge of handling claims related to the Russian incursion into Ukraine brilliantly. Mark Waters is incredibly bright and is critical to HFW's client retention.'
- 'They are a very good team and communicate within their practice a lot more than some of the other firms, even between London and overseas offices.'
- 'Mert Hifzi has been an excellent ambassador for HFW which filters down through the aviation lawyers. Pragmatism, communication and professionalism.'
Key clients
- Goshawk
- Challenge Aviation Services Limited
- AIG
- Allianz
- Confidentia Limited
- Fly Jamaica
- GippsAero
- Booker Flying Club
- Caribbean Airlines
- Gulf Air
- Avolon
- Falko
- ICBC Leasing
- Corendon Airlines
- Air Europa Air Europa Líneas Aéreas S.A.U (Air Europa)
Work highlights
- Acted on behalf of AIG Europe on the contingent all risks insurers in relation to an inward claim by AerCap, an Irish-domiciled lessor, in respect of aircraft and engines stranded in Russia.
- Acted on behalf of Global Aerospace and other contingent "all risk" insurers defending inwards claim brought in the English Commercial Court by Merx Aviation and KDAC in respect of aircraft and engines stranded in Russia.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mert Hifzi, David Brotherton