Clyde & Co handles complex regulatory, transactional, and cross-border dispute resolution matters. The team is frequently involved in high-stakes litigation and judicial reviews, often entailing significant financial exposure. A key contact is Rob Ireland, who brings extensive experience handling contentious aviation cases. Robert Lawson KC is renowned for advising on disputes involving regulatory, licensing, insurance, and contractual issues. Further talent within the department includes Gareth Lewis, who assists insurers and insureds on policy coverage and disaster claims, while John Samiotis represents airlines in catastrophic accident and cargo-related litigation. Craig Rooney maintains a diverse disputes practice, including acting on claims involving major losses and aircraft damage. Tom Van Der Wijngaart covers both contentious and non-contentious work, including regulatory and commercial matters. Patrick Slomski departed from the firm in 2024.

DAC Beachcroft LLP is highly sought-after for its advice to insurers, reinsurers, and international airlines on significant and complex aviation matters worldwide. Its work includes coverage disputes, major loss investigations, and liability claims linked to fatal accidents, aircraft damage, and operational incidents. Practice head Alex Stovold assists aviation clients on high-profile cross-border litigation and sensitive public hearings. Maria Cetta and Anna Anatolitou are well-regarded for their defence of national flagship carriers in high-value claims involving catastrophic aviation losses. Jessica Hindley and Tony Upton, whose work focuses on airline liability and insurance claims, joined the team in 2025.

HFW advises insurers, reinsurers, aircraft manufacturers, and aerospace companies on high-profile aviation disputes arising from geopolitical events, war risk exposures, and significant asset losses. The practice is led by Edward Spencer, an expert in insurance coverage disputes, and David Brotherton, an aviation finance specialist, who advises on leasing, debt finance, and cross-border restructuring matters. Zohar Zik routinely counsels airlines and aircraft manufacturers on transactional, commercial and regulatory issues. Mark Waters handles contentious and non-contentious aviation matters, with his broad practice including major accidents and commercial disputes as well as contractual and licensing arrangements.

Norton Rose Fulbright represents leading airlines, lessors, and financial institutions in multi-jurisdictional and often precedent-setting aviation disputes. The practice handles a diverse portfolio of claims, including insurance recoveries, manufacturing delays, delay compensation claims, and aircraft lease terminations. The team also supports clients in commercial matters including fleet acquisitions, lease negotiations, insolvency-related restructuring, and regulatory compliance. The practice is headed by Robin Springthorpe and Charlotte Winter, who are frequently involved in high-profile aviation litigation and arbitration. Patrick Farrell is exceptionally capable in handling cross-border asset repossessions, while Zayba Drabu is a key contact on asset finance-related disputes. Annabelle Wheeler advises airlines on a variety of commercial and regulatory matters. The team is supported by Serene Allen and Lucy Frost, who handle contentious contractual issues.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP is widely recognised for its expertise in advising on major airport development projects, demonstrating particular strength in planning and environmental matters and securing regulatory approvals. The team is also experienced in handling aviation-related disputes involving leasing, insurance, and commercial contracts, often with cross-border elements. Leading the practice is Kim Dietzel, who advises on a range of transactional and regulatory matters; Robert Moore, who assists international airlines in M&A, public takeovers, corporate governance matters, and joint venture agreements; and Gregg Rowan, who handles class action cases and insurance claims within the aviation industry. Competition specialist Clémence Barraud advises on the EU, UK, and French regulatory environments relevant to the aviation sector.

Stephenson Harwood's aviation team is frequently involved in high-value commercial litigation, including individual claims and large class actions. It is recognised for its work with prominent airlines in disputes concerning systemic service failures, competition law issues, and regulatory matters. Following Paul Phillips’ retirement, Richard Parsons leads the practice and advises on aviation finance matters, including the acquisition, disposal, and leasing of aircraft. Johnny Champion displays ‘good legal acumen’ regarding aircraft leasing, maintenance, and redelivery disputes. Rebecca Garner, Patrick Bettle, and Chloe Challinor left the firm.

Addleshaw Goddard advises major airports, airlines, and aviation businesses on a broad spectrum of issues, from infrastructure development projects to commercial and employment matters within the industry. The practice is led by Alex Hogarth, who advises on business disputes involving aircraft damage, contractual breaches, and defective products, alongside Paul Hirst, who oversees major transport infrastructure projects. Sarah Harrop manages aviation sector reorganisations and redundancies, while Francis Tyrrell handles all planning and environmental aspects of airport developments. Richard Ledain Santiago is a key contact for aviation finance, with specialist expertise in aircraft financings and refinancings.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP represents international aircraft leasing and aviation finance companies in substantial disputes, focusing on insurance recovery, stranded assets, and complex contractual claims. The practice is led by cross-industry litigator Peter Sharp, with David Waldron advising aviation clients on insolvency, restructuring, arbitration, and litigation mandates. Christina Lewes is a key contact for complex commercial litigation and international arbitration, while Paul Mesquitta concentrates his disputes practice on global insurance recovery.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP supports commercial airlines, financial institutions, and aircraft leasing companies with employment matters, ESG and regulatory compliance, and commercial agreements. The team also handles high-value litigation and arbitration involving leasing, financing, and ownership issues across jurisdictions. The global aviation practice is headed by Jim Bell, who acts for aviation clients on structured and asset finance transactions. On the contentious side, Robert Fidoe stands out for his specialism in international commercial arbitration, while Tim Murray advises on aviation and travel-related dispute resolution and regulatory matters. Competition specialist Solange Leandro counsels aviation clients on regulatory issues, including data protection, international trade, and sanctions matters. Randeep Bubbra, known for his asset finance and leasing expertise, joined the team in 2024.

Weightmans LLP handles individual and multi-party litigation across global courts and arbitral forums, covering issues such as war risk, liability, and property damage. The aviation practice is led by Andrew Krausz, a recognised expert in general aviation defence, subrogation, and reinsurance matters, including a leading involvement in litigation related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sonia Lopez, described as ‘a force of nature’, focuses on airline catastrophes and complex coverage matters, while Adam Baker brings expertise in Commercial Court and general aviation claims. Lisa Williams is also highly capable in multi-jurisdictional airline disputes.

Wikborg Rein acts for insurers and reinsurers in high-value aviation claims before the English, Irish, and US Commercial Courts, demonstrating a particular niche in cases concerning aircraft leased to Russian airlines. Practice head Gillie Belsham represents numerous All Risks insurers in high-value claims. Shawn Kirby and Ben Ogden are heavily involved in insurance coverage disputes, while Christopher Crane‘s practice spans liability, subrogation, and reinsurance matters.

Burges Salmon LLP advises clients across the aviation and aerospace sectors on corporate transactions, regulatory issues, disputes, and major infrastructure projects. The practice is led by Keith Beattie, who specialises in the development and financing of complex projects, alongside Chloe Challinor, who brings substantial expertise in aviation disputes and regulatory issues. Alongside Challinor, dispute resolution, ESG, and regulatory matters expert Patrick Bettle also arrived from Stephenson Harwood.

CMS advises insurers and aviation clients on complex coverage, regulatory, and litigation matters, particularly those stemming from international affairs and sanctions. The team also represents airlines in resolving passenger disputes under global aviation regulations. Aviation practice head Gwen Edwards specialises in debt financing and aircraft leasing matters. Key team members include Alaina Wadsworth, who focuses on aviation insurance and reinsurance disputes, and Sukhi Kaler, who primarily handles cross-border commercial disputes and enforcement mandates.

Holland & Knight (UK) LLP advises aircraft lessors, investors, and financial institutions on complex cross-border restructurings, insolvency proceedings, and lease enforcement matters across the aviation sector. The practice is led by cross-border aviation transaction expert Victoria Koob, who stands out for her ‘broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of aircraft financing and leasing’. Richard Sharman and Debra Erni also possess cross-border asset finance and leasing experience. Robert Ricketts retired from the firm.

K&L Gates LLP is best known for supporting businesses with aviation finance and leasing matters, including disputes, regulatory issues, contractual negotiations, and asset transfers. The practice is led by aviation finance expert Philip Perrotta; Peter O’Hare, who specialises in aircraft acquisition, leasing, and refinancing; and Peter Morton, ‘a smart, thorough, and effective litigator’ who focuses on aviation disputes and international arbitration. Sebastian Smith handles restructuring, M&A, and joint venture transactions for aviation leasing and banking clients.

Keystone Law provides comprehensive legal services to aviation and transportation sector clients. Specifically, the team has expertise in regulatory compliance, financing, dispute resolution, and large-scale contractual negotiations. Michael Holter advises airlines and shareholders on cross-border M&A, joint ventures and complex commercial transactions; James Healy-Pratt is best known for resolving high-profile aviation accidents globally; and Owen Hanna handles disputes related to product liability, aircraft liens, and prosecutions against pilots.

Standing out for its ‘depth of specialist aircraft leasing and finance experience’, Milbank offers notable aviation industry knowledge and expertise. Heading the transportation and space group is the ‘technically brilliant’ and ‘strong negotiator’ Nick Swinburne. A key contact among leading global asset managers, lessors, and financial institutions on high-value M&A, sale and leaseback transactions, and loan financings. Harriet Rugg-Easey supports major clients across key transactions. Former practice head James Cameron left the firm.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles a diverse array of aircraft leasing and finance matters, including aircraft relocation, subleasing, lease amendments, and registration changes. The team also provides counsel on lease-related disputes, such as defaults and unpaid security deposits, while assisting with aircraft financing transactions, lease novations, and early buyout options. Led by Anton Chambers, who specialises in cross-border asset financings and restructurings, the practice also includes Deborah Boddy and Chris Chane, who advise on aviation financing and leasing.

Fox Williams LLP‘s commerce and technology team steers clients through the regulatory frameworks shaping the aviation industry, while also assisting in the structuring of innovative commercial agreements. Alongside practice head Simon Bennett , Lucy England advises airlines, travel agents, aerospace companies, and aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of commercial and regulatory matters within the sector.

Gowling WLG provides dedicated support to clients operating across the aviation sector, including major airlines, airports, and aerospace manufacturers. The team handles a wide range of matters, including employment disputes, aircraft procurement for military use, patent issues, and corporate and commercial advisory work. Practice head Elizabeth Williams leads on aviation infrastructure project mandates, including assisting regarding airport master plans and government contracts.

Airports, insurers, and aviation companies turn to Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP for guidance on high-value claims, regulatory compliance, contractual agreements, and dispute resolution. Aviation insurance litigator Louise High leads the team, alongside the ‘tactically astute’ Patrick Slomski, an insurance coverage, catastrophe, and commercial disputes expert, who joined as co-head of the practice in 2024. Lisa Hillary and Robbie Skinner are further key contacts.

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP excels in high-value aircraft transactions, including acquisitions, sales, leases, and financing. Led by firm founders Ben Graham-Evans and Mark Turnbull, the practice advises lessors, purchasers, and operators on the buying, selling, and leasing of commercial aircraft, engines, and parts. Cross-border aviation finance specialist Rachel Thomasen was recently promoted to partner, while the previous year saw the addition of associates William Cusack and Anastasia Katsea to the team.