Daniel Sessa
Galindo, Arias & López
More informationGalindo, Arias & López remains a standout in the field of aviation finance, with a particular strength in advising airlines, including Panamanian flag carrier Copa Airlines as well as an array of foreign carriers. The team frequently advises on the acquisition, financing and leasing of aircraft, drawing on its close links with international firms to handle high-profile, cross-border transactions, and also assists with corporate and regulatory matters, such as the certification of cargo and passenger airlines. Cristina Lewis, who is renowned for her experience in aviation finance, leads the team. The key names at junior level are consultant Daniel Sessa, who has significant expertise in commercial and financing issues in the aviation sector, and regulatory-focused associate Claudia Juárez.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Copa Holdings
- Copa Airlines
- Aerorepublica (Copa Colombia)
- Air Transat
- Cargolux Airlines International
- Panama Air Cargo Terminal
- La Nueva Aerolinea
- Academia Latinoamericana de Aviación (ALAS)
- Continent Maritime
- Gol Aerotech
- MTU Maintenance Berlin-Branderburg
- MTU Maintenance Hannover
Work highlights
- Advised Copa Holdings in connection with the purchase and financing of four Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft delivered to its subsidiary, Copa Airlines, under a financing guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States of America (EXIM).
- Advising Copa Airlines on all Panamanian legal matters involved in the payoff of guaranteed loans, initially contracted to finance the acquisition of several of its aircraft.
- Advised Canadian international airline Air Transat on its certification process as a foreign airline in Panama.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Claudia Juárez
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Cristina Lewis de la Guardia
Partner. Ms. Lewis' practice focuses on commercial and administrative law, particularly in the areas of aviation, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and energy.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Cristina Lewis