Aviation & Travel

Aviation & Travel is a well-established area of practice at Fountain Court. Members have significant experience across the sector and have acted in a number of large and high-profile aviation disputes.

Members cover the full spectrum of commercial disputes in the sector, representing major airlines, aircraft lessors, manufacturers, insurers and creditors in matters spanning aircraft finance and leasing, aircraft sales and acquisitions, product liability, aviation insurance (including all-risk and war-risk policies), airline insolvency and regulatory compliance. The set has particular strength in airport slot allocation, regularly advising the Civil Aviation Authority and appearing in CAA proceedings.

We have also worked on sensitive cases involving mass fatalities and disasters – ranging from airline losses to high profile helicopter losses and light aircraft crashes – and have dealt with issues such as the admissibility of reports prepared by air accident investigators.

Our reputation for aviation work in particular has resulted in our members advising on public law issues in the sector including acting in judicial review claims which have had a defining effect on the industry. We have also advised the industry on Brexit-related legal issues, both during the transition period and after its conclusion at the start of 2021.

Our work includes cases relating to:

• Commercial aviation disputes
• Claims involving disasters, catastrophic / extensive loss and damage
• Claims relating to Brexit
• Disputes linked to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Insurance and reinsurance claims
• Regulatory matters
• Public law cases