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Aviation, Aerospace & Transportation
Comprehensive Legal Counsel Across the Global Mobility and Air Transport Ecosystem
The aviation and aerospace industries are entering a transformative era defined by decarbonization, digitalization, and rapidly evolving regulation. Airlines, airports, manufacturers, and operators face expanding scrutiny from domestic and international authorities while pursuing innovation in unmanned systems, sustainable fuels, and next-generation mobility.
At SJKP LLP, our Aviation, Aerospace & Transportation team delivers strategic legal guidance that bridges compliance, finance, safety, and technology—helping clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks, optimize operations, and pursue new growth opportunities in a connected world.
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1. A Global Regulatory Landscape for Aviation and Aerospace
Aviation and aerospace are among the most heavily regulated sectors worldwide. Our attorneys advise clients on compliance with international conventions, national legislation, and bilateral aviation agreements. We represent carriers, OEMs, and technology companies before key agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Licensing, Certification, and Operational Compliance
We assist clients with air carrier certification, aircraft registration, route authorities, and maintenance organization approvals. Our lawyers coordinate with agencies to resolve compliance matters and secure regulatory approvals for domestic and cross-border operations.
Policy and Legislative Engagement
SJKP LLP’s Government Affairs team works closely with lawmakers and regulators to shape aviation policy. We provide input during rulemakings, legislative drafting, and agency consultations to ensure client perspectives are effectively represented.
2. Aviation Finance, Leasing, and Restructuring
Aircraft acquisition, leasing, and financing transactions demand precise legal structuring and regulatory coordination. Our lawyers advise on all forms of aviation finance—secured lending, sale-leasebacks, export credit facilities, and structured asset-backed deals.
Cross-Border Financing and Tax Optimization
We structure aircraft financings to comply with cross-border tax, ownership, and security regulations. Our tax professionals assist in optimizing depreciation, withholding, and treaty benefits to minimize transaction costs.
Airline Restructuring and Insolvency Proceedings
In times of distress, we represent airlines and lessors in restructuring, repossession, and bankruptcy proceedings. Our lawyers navigate complex insolvency laws to protect aircraft assets and recover creditor value.
3. Safety, Security, and Enforcement
Safety and security remain foundational in aviation. Our firm advises clients on compliance with safety management systems (SMS), security programs, and enforcement actions arising from regulatory investigations.
Accident Response and Investigation
We counsel clients through accident investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and foreign equivalents. Our attorneys assist in evidence preservation, coordination with authorities, and litigation arising from incidents.
Enforcement and Compliance Defense
Our team represents clients in FAA and DOT enforcement proceedings, defending against penalties and certificate actions. We also assist in implementing corrective measures to maintain regulatory good standing.
4. Antitrust, Competition, and Trade Regulation
The aviation and transportation sectors are subject to competition laws governing alliances, code sharing, and joint ventures. We provide pre-merger analysis, antitrust filings, and compliance programs that enable lawful collaboration and market expansion.
Mergers, Alliances, and Antitrust Filings
We advise on merger notifications, alliance reviews, and code-share arrangements before agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and European Commission (DG COMP).
Trade and Export Control Compliance
Our attorneys assist aerospace manufacturers and maintenance firms in complying with export control laws such as ITAR and EAR, covering dual-use components and technology transfers.
5. Emerging Technologies and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility, and satellite integration are reshaping the aviation ecosystem. SJKP LLP advises on certification, operations, and liability for drones and hybrid aircraft across jurisdictions.
Regulatory Pathways for New Air Technologies
We assist innovators in obtaining special airworthiness certificates, operational waivers, and experimental permits under FAA Part 107 and equivalent foreign frameworks.
Liability and Risk Allocation in UAS Operations
Our lawyers design liability frameworks, insurance programs, and contractual protections for UAS manufacturers, operators, and data service providers to manage operational and privacy risks.
6. Environmental and Sustainability Issues
Environmental regulation and ESG expectations are reshaping aviation’s future. We counsel clients on emissions standards, noise abatement, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects, and climate disclosure obligations.
Carbon Reduction and SAF Initiatives
We support clients in structuring SAF supply agreements, emissions credit trading, and compliance with ICAO’s CORSIA scheme.
ESG Reporting and Airport Sustainability
Our lawyers advise airports and carriers on ESG disclosure frameworks, sustainable infrastructure financing, and green bond issuance.
7. Why Choose SJKP LLP for Aviation, Aerospace & Transportation Counsel
Global Reach. Technical Mastery. Proven Track Record.
SJKP LLP’s Aviation, Aerospace & Transportation team integrates experience in regulation, finance, safety, antitrust, and sustainability to deliver comprehensive counsel worldwide. From aircraft finance to drone regulation, from accident defense to ESG compliance, we guide clients through the full flight path of legal complexity—transforming regulatory challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.
