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.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is very commercially minded and pragmatic, with an eye on supporting in-house counsel to ensure they are well advised and able to effectively report updates internally.'
- 'The DLA team was supportive from the very outset and it helped having previous expertise with aviation litigation. I very much appreciated the care taken to use a dialogue that was easy to follow and explained at each step.'
Key clients
- Airbus Helicopters
- Allianz
Work highlights
- Acted for Starr International (Europe) Limited in High Court litigation concerning aircraft seized by Russian operators.
- Supported Bristow Helicopters in respect of government and CAA engagement concerning advanced aircraft technologies and on regulatory matters.