Aviation
Our Aviation Practice includes Aviation Finance, Air Transport, and Aviation Liability.
Our Aviation Finance practice spans across the registration and title transfer of aircraft, mortgages, securities and enforcement of lease terminations, related taxes and international payment restrictions, insurance and reinsurance. With the rapid growth of the Aviation sector in Nigeria as a lead emerging economy, our clients have been in need of expertise in cross-border structures that in some cases require the acquisition of assets such as Jumbo Jets and Corporate Large, Mid Size and light Jets and Helicopters on Operating lease, Finance Lease or Hire Purchase and outright purchase for cash. Our Aviation experts have deep understanding of the West African Market and the challenges airlines, Private owners, OEMs, Maintenance Organisations and other key stakeholders in the Aviation sector face.
Our Recent Aviation transactions include:
- Dry/Wet/Damp Lease Agreements for operating Aircraft in Nigeria.
- Filing and Enforcement Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisations (IDERA) in compliance with the Cape Town Treaty
- Importation Processing and Approval for Leased or Purchased Aircraft into Nigeria.
- Registration of Charges over Aircraft at the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the International Registry.
- Release of Aircraft SpareParts and Engines held by the Nigerian Customs.
- Asset Backed Debt Structuring for Aircraft Purchase.
- Debt enforcement from international and domestic Aviation operators.
- Aircraft Insurance and Re-insurance.
Our Air Transport Practice has involved advising on Regulatory bodies, safety regulation, provision of air transport services, acquisition of licences and other rights, regulation of airfares, aircraft registration, airports, liability and accidents, competition law and financial support and state aid.
We have represented the multiple domestic and International Airlines such Arik Air, Izy Air, Jet-alliance AG and Regulatory Bodies including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Nigeria. We have also advised Maintenance Repair & Overhaul Organisations in technical Joint-ventures with local partners.
Our Aviation liability practice has handled matters of liability for passenger injury or death during international and domestic carriage; third-party actions; liability of ground damage; consumer protection and passenger rights; government liability; criminal proceedings; effect of carrier’s conditions of carriage and tariffs; damages; insurance requirements; litigation procedures; and judgments and settlements.
We have been successful in litigation proceedings in claim of damages for our clients against airlines and defended airlines in Consumer protection proceedings.