Daniel Sessa
Galindo, Arias & LópezAviation finance is the cornerstone of the practice at Galindo, Arias & López, which regularly advises on the acquisition, finance and leasing of aircraft, drawing on close links with a host of international firms to handle complex, cross-border transactions. The team, which acts for an impressive roster of airlines (including Panamanian flag carrier Copa Airlines), ground-handling companies, aviation education institutions and aircraft maintenance companies, also assists with corporate, regulatory and compliance issues concerning clients’ operations in Panama, including obtaining all necessary authorisations from the Civil Aviation Authority. Practice head Cristina Lewis is widely regarded as a market leader in aviation finance deals. The capable pool of junior lawyers includes of counsel Daniel Sessa, whose practice covers financial, commercial and regulatory issues. Former associate Claudia Juárez left the firm – effective as of mid-2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Copa Holdings
- Compañía Panameña de Aviación (Copa Airlines)
- Aerorepublica (Copa Colombia)
- Air Transat
- Cargolux Airlines International
- Panama Air Cargo Terminal
- La Nueva Aerolinea
- Academia Latinoamericana de Aviación (ALAS)
- Continent Maritime
- Legenda Maritime
- Gol Aerotech
- MTU Maintenance Hannover
Work highlights
- Advising Copa Holdings and its subsidiaries on the finance, lease and registration of five Boeing 737-9 aircraft.
- Advising PACT, a ground handling company operating from Tocumen International Airport, on corporate, regulatory and compliance matters related to its activities in Panama and its interactions with the Civil Aviation Authority, National Customs Authority and the airport.
- Advised ALAS, an aviation education institution dedicated to the training of commercial pilots, on the update of its operating certificate to offer services as an aviation educational institution for flight crew training, as well as on regulatory matters related to its authorised flight training equipment, corporate matters and the acquisition of aircraft that are incorporated into its fleet.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Cristina Lewis