Aviation and Aviation Finance Disputes
Aircraft, operations and commercial relationships can come under pressure when disputes arise. We help clients protect assets, preserve options and decisively move forward.
Our Aviation & Aviation Finance expertise
Aviation disputes can put valuable assets, operations and commercial relationships at immediate risk. Time is often critical. Aircraft can be moved, grounded, detained, stranded or exposed to competing claims within hours. Early specialist advice can help protect assets, preserve leverage and position you for the most effective route to resolution.
We provide clear, practical advice and pursue the most effective route to resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation, court proceedings or international arbitration. We advise airlines, cargo and private operators, lessors, owners, financiers, airports, manufacturers, suppliers and insurers on complex disputes involving leased assets, payment defaults, repossession, contractual issues and urgent cross-border action.
Our experience spans English Commercial Court proceedings, international arbitration and distressed asset scenarios where early decisions can have a significant impact on the available options and outcome.
How we help with aviation disputes
Aviation disputes often involve more than a legal disagreement. Aircraft, assets, financing arrangements, operational contracts and commercial relationships can all be affected at the same time. We help clients assess risk quickly, protect their position and resolve disputes in a way that supports their wider commercial objectives.
Aircraft leasing and finance disputes
We advise on disputes arising from aircraft and engine leases, payment defaults, guarantees, indemnities, termination rights, redelivery obligations and recovery of losses.Asset recovery and distressed aircraft matters
We help clients protect, recover and enforce rights over aircraft and engine assets, including repossession, delivery-up, competing claims, liens and distressed asset scenarios.Cross-border disputes and urgent action
Where disputes involve multiple jurisdictions, we coordinate strategy across borders and advise on injunctions, asset preservation measures, freezing relief and emergency arbitration.Operational and supply-chain disputes
We advise on disputes involving maintenance, repair and overhaul agreements, component failures, wet leases, charter arrangements, ground handling, logistics, cargo operations and supply-chain issues.Airport, passenger and regulatory disputes
Our experience includes airport-related disputes, passenger rights claims, loyalty schemes, concessions, public procurement challenges and broader regulatory issues affecting aviation businesses.Litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution
We represent clients in the English Commercial Court, international arbitration and mediation, helping them identify the most effective route to resolution based on the legal, commercial and practical realities of the dispute.
Key contact
Get in touch
Representative experience
Advising an Irish-incorporated aircraft sub-lessor on the successful repatriation of a commercial passenger aircraft stranded at Boryspil Airport, Kyiv, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Representing an Irish-incorporated sub-lessor in Commercial Court proceedings brought by the US head lessor following the emergency repatriation of two commercial aircraft in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Advising a flag carrier airline on LCIA arbitration claims arising from the non-delivery of aircraft under wet-leasing arrangements
Representing an international travel business, acting as guarantor, in an LCIA arbitration valued at more than US$200 million concerning a partner airline’s inability to redeliver commercial passenger aircraft following the outbreak of war
Representing a Turkish airline in Commercial Court proceedings brought by a lessor following the catastrophic failure of a leased asset during a commercial passenger flight
Advising airlines, lessors and insurers on claims against logistics and haulage providers following damage to or loss of aircraft engines and components in transit
What should I do when an aviation dispute arises?
Seek input from a specialist aviation disputes lawyer immediately and preserve the relevant contracts, correspondence, technical records and operational data. The immediate priorities will depend on the dispute, but may include protecting or locating an asset, reviewing termination and default rights, preserving evidence, notifying insurers or finance parties, considering security and liens, coordinating action in more than one jurisdiction and ensuring nothing is said or done that inadvertently prejudices your position.
Not every dispute needs to result in proceedings. An early assessment of the legal position, commercial objective, counterparty and asset location can help identify whether negotiation, mediation, urgent interim relief, court proceedings or arbitration offers the strongest route to resolution.
Meet our aviation disputes team
If you are dealing with an aviation dispute, threatened default or urgent aircraft or engine issue, contact our aviation disputes team for an early strategic assessment. We can advise on the immediate options and coordinate action in England and other relevant jurisdictions.
FAQs
Yes. Early advice can help clarify contractual rights, preserve evidence and assets, assess leverage and explore a commercial resolution before positions become entrenched and ensure that action is not taken inadvertently which prejudices your position and any potential claims.
Yes. We regularly coordinate cross-border disputes and asset recovery work, either with trusted specialist lawyers in the relevant jurisdiction or as co-counsel with a client’s existing local or inhouse lawyers.
Depending on the contractual and factual position, available measures may include injunctions, asset-preservation relief, freezing relief, delivery-up applications or emergency arbitration. The right approach will be case-specific, which is why early specialist advice is important.
Yes. Our experience spans airlines and operators, lessors, owners, banks and finance companies, airports, insurers, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, giving us insight into the strategies, goals and pressure points of different parties to an aviation dispute.
Talk to our aviation disputes team
When an aircraft, engine or aviation-related asset is at risk, delay can narrow the available options. Early decisions often determine whether assets, evidence and contractual rights can be protected effectively.
Whether you are dealing with a threatened default, distressed asset scenario, cross-border dispute or active proceedings, our team can help you assess the immediate risks, understand your options and take action quickly.
Speak to our aviation disputes team for an early strategic assessment.
Related news & articles
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
Get in touch
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.