Change in the air

The aviation industry worldwide is experiencing volatile and challenging times.  Vigorous competition, aggressive new entrants, company collapses and downward pressure on margins combined with increasing costs and security concerns are creating a more complex and demanding environment for all participants.  In this environment you need specialist legal advice backed by experience.

Clients and services

Buddle Findlay advises on all areas of aviation law.  We can provide you with responsive, forward-looking legal solutions.  Our expertise in this sector includes:

  • Aircraft financing and leasing
  • Aircraft acquisition and sale
  • Liability and equipment insurance
  • Lease termination and aircraft recovery including obtaining court orders for possession of aircraft
  • Taxation issues associated with aircraft acquisition, sales, financing and leasing
  • Acquisition and disposal of shareholding interests in airlines
  • Commercial agreements such as code sharing and alliance agreements
  • Regulatory, legislative and enforcement issues
  • Fees and charges relating to New Zealand airports
  • Competition law issues associated with airlines
  • Litigation in relation to the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, including passenger, baggage and cargo claims
  • Dispute resolution concerning aircraft-related contracts

Recent work

  • Advising on the sale and lease-back of 2 wide-bodied aircraft
  • Advising various aircraft lessors on leasing and recovery of aircraft
  • Advising an international airline on air cargo cartel allegations by New Zealand Commerce Commission
  • Advising airlines on passenger fatality claims under the Montreal Convention and related international treaties
  • Advising a leading international airline on cargo claims under the Montreal Convention
  • Advising an off-shore contractor on liability issues arising from contracts to upgrade a fleet of aircraft

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