Fountain Court Chambers offers ‘access to skilled practitioners’ who expertly manage aviation and aviation insurance disputes, including high-stakes aircraft repossession and security enforcement claims. Michael McLaren KC has broad commercial experience with a strong focus on aviation, including acting in a high-value dispute involving the destruction of an aircraft leased to Saudi Arabian Airlines during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Bankim Thanki KC is regularly instructed on critical aviation matters, including advising war risks reinsurers on claims brought by operators of aircraft stranded in Russia. Akhil Shah KC, recognised for his proficiency in aviation finance, regulatory issues, and travel disruption, continues to represent Tokio Marine Kiln in total loss claims by aircraft lessors arising from the Russian invasion. Rosalind Phelps KC is sought after by regulatory authorities on travel-related issues and advises on matters including unpaid rent under aviation lease agreements, pre-delivery payments in aircraft purchase contracts, and claims for delayed delivery. Giles Robertson has a diverse commercial practice encompassing a range of aviation disputes, from flight delay compensation claims involving low-cost carriers to incidents involving stolen aircraft.
Aviation and travel in
London Bar
Fountain Court Chambers
Les références
‘An aviation and travel set of chambers with real strength across all levels. Its members are involved in the leading aviation cases.’
‘A well-respected aviation set with quality counsel at all levels.’
‘Always helpful; a quality set.’
Principaux dossiers
Quadrant Chambers
A set with a ‘wide variety of talent’, Quadrant Chambers provides ‘accessible and practical’ advice across all full range of matters, with parallels visible with the set's reputation on water visible in the air. John Kimbell KC offers cross-border advocacy and arbitration support in disputes involving aircraft sales, leasing and security issues, as well as fatal accidents. Amid a wave of litigation stemming from aircraft stranded and confiscated in Russia, Guy Blackwood KC is defending AIG and others in multi-billion-dollar proceedings brought by AerCap and others. Robert-Jan Temmink KC represents Merx Aviation Servicing Ltd in a $600 million claim against insurers over aircraft losses, while Matthew Reeve KC, supported by Joseph England, acts for Genesis Leasing in two high-value insurance claims arising from similar events. Tom Bird, well-versed in regulatory and product liability issues, continues to advise in the defence of Leonardo in the litigation over the 2018 helicopter crash which claimed the lives of, among others, Leicester City FC chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Koye Akoni has a commercial practice covering aviation leasing and finance matters, most recently acting in a $4m dispute over an aircraft lease novation agreement.
Les références
‘Good all-round commercial chambers.’
‘Very responsive, friendly, and will go the extra mile.’
‘A great set.’
Principaux dossiers
7 King's Bench Walk
An ‘excellent set’, 7 King’s Bench Walk‘ is recognised for its strength in complex aviation insurance disputes. Head of chambers Gavin Kealey KC is a leading figure in commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, and international arbitration. In one of the set's many teams in the blockbuster Russian aircraft trial, he continues to represent AIG in a landmark series of cases brought by aircraft owners and lessors against insurers, involving nearly 150 aircraft leased to Russian operators. Andrew Wales KC, drawing on his extensive expertise in aviation disputes, serves as co-lead counsel for AIG and also advises on broader insurance and sanctions matters. Harry Wright plays a key role in the Swiss Re strand of the litigation and is also engaged in two ongoing satellite disputes. Emma Hilliard regularly supports silks in reinsurance matters in both court and arbitration, while also handling aircraft leasing, maintenance, and carriage issues.
Les références
‘7KBW is an excellent pre-eminent chambers in aviation insurance.’
‘The barristers are excellent, quick, and responsive.’
‘7KBW is probably the best commercial law set at the Bar with a brilliant quota of senior silks and clerks.’
Principaux dossiers
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings has been praised as a ‘go-to’ and ‘reliable and accessible’ set for aviation disputes. A key part of his practice, Edward Cumming KC advises on aircraft lease obligations, maintenance reserves, and aviation regulatory issues, including recent work for Saudi Arabian Airlines. Aviation disputes are also central to Steven Thompson KC‘s practice – he is currently advising VietJet on the leasing of an Airbus plane under a Japanese operating lease with call option (JOLCO) structure. Bajul Shah continues to be in demand on high-profile matters, including representing reinsurers in claims brought by aircraft lessors with exposure to Russian airlines, and is appearing as counsel to the claimants in a claim brought against manufacturer Leonardo arising from the Leicester City FC helicopter crash. Erin Hitchens‘ recent work includes acting for Equatorial Congo Airlines in a claim challenging the validity of a fleet transfer while the airline was in insolvency proceedings. The set expanded in 2024 with the arrival of Max Archer from 12 King’s Bench Walk, who brings deep experience in travel disputes involving the interpretation of EC Regulation 261 and large aviation loss events. Tom Stewart Coats advises on issues relating to maintenance reserves, deposits, and rent under aircraft lease agreements.
Les références
‘Responsive and knowledgeable about their members’ individual strengths.’
‘A niche aviation set; XXIV Old Buildings is a small but class act.’
‘One of the best aviation-focused chambers, especially for juniors.’
Principaux dossiers
Fountain Court Chambers
Les références
‘An aviation and travel set of chambers with real strength across all levels. Its members are involved in the leading aviation cases.’
‘A well-respected aviation set with quality counsel at all levels.’
‘Always helpful; a quality set.’
Principaux dossiers
Quadrant Chambers
A set with a ‘wide variety of talent’, Quadrant Chambers provides ‘accessible and practical’ advice across all full range of matters, with parallels visible with the set's reputation on water visible in the air. John Kimbell KC offers cross-border advocacy and arbitration support in disputes involving aircraft sales, leasing and security issues, as well as fatal accidents. Amid a wave of litigation stemming from aircraft stranded and confiscated in Russia, Guy Blackwood KC is defending AIG and others in multi-billion-dollar proceedings brought by AerCap and others. Robert-Jan Temmink KC represents Merx Aviation Servicing Ltd in a $600 million claim against insurers over aircraft losses, while Matthew Reeve KC, supported by Joseph England, acts for Genesis Leasing in two high-value insurance claims arising from similar events. Tom Bird, well-versed in regulatory and product liability issues, continues to advise in the defence of Leonardo in the litigation over the 2018 helicopter crash which claimed the lives of, among others, Leicester City FC chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Koye Akoni has a commercial practice covering aviation leasing and finance matters, most recently acting in a $4m dispute over an aircraft lease novation agreement.
Les références
‘Good all-round commercial chambers.’
‘Very responsive, friendly, and will go the extra mile.’
‘A great set.’
Principaux dossiers
7 King's Bench Walk
An ‘excellent set’, 7 King’s Bench Walk‘ is recognised for its strength in complex aviation insurance disputes. Head of chambers Gavin Kealey KC is a leading figure in commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, and international arbitration. In one of the set's many teams in the blockbuster Russian aircraft trial, he continues to represent AIG in a landmark series of cases brought by aircraft owners and lessors against insurers, involving nearly 150 aircraft leased to Russian operators. Andrew Wales KC, drawing on his extensive expertise in aviation disputes, serves as co-lead counsel for AIG and also advises on broader insurance and sanctions matters. Harry Wright plays a key role in the Swiss Re strand of the litigation and is also engaged in two ongoing satellite disputes. Emma Hilliard regularly supports silks in reinsurance matters in both court and arbitration, while also handling aircraft leasing, maintenance, and carriage issues.
Les références
‘7KBW is an excellent pre-eminent chambers in aviation insurance.’
‘The barristers are excellent, quick, and responsive.’
‘7KBW is probably the best commercial law set at the Bar with a brilliant quota of senior silks and clerks.’
Principaux dossiers
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings has been praised as a ‘go-to’ and ‘reliable and accessible’ set for aviation disputes. A key part of his practice, Edward Cumming KC advises on aircraft lease obligations, maintenance reserves, and aviation regulatory issues, including recent work for Saudi Arabian Airlines. Aviation disputes are also central to Steven Thompson KC‘s practice – he is currently advising VietJet on the leasing of an Airbus plane under a Japanese operating lease with call option (JOLCO) structure. Bajul Shah continues to be in demand on high-profile matters, including representing reinsurers in claims brought by aircraft lessors with exposure to Russian airlines, and is appearing as counsel to the claimants in a claim brought against manufacturer Leonardo arising from the Leicester City FC helicopter crash. Erin Hitchens‘ recent work includes acting for Equatorial Congo Airlines in a claim challenging the validity of a fleet transfer while the airline was in insolvency proceedings. The set expanded in 2024 with the arrival of Max Archer from 12 King’s Bench Walk, who brings deep experience in travel disputes involving the interpretation of EC Regulation 261 and large aviation loss events. Tom Stewart Coats advises on issues relating to maintenance reserves, deposits, and rent under aircraft lease agreements.
Les références
‘Responsive and knowledgeable about their members’ individual strengths.’
‘A niche aviation set; XXIV Old Buildings is a small but class act.’
‘One of the best aviation-focused chambers, especially for juniors.’