The Legal 500

Bhasin & Co has a ‘superb reputation for aviation work’, predominantly for domestic 
carriers such as Air India. ‘A doyen of the industry’, vastly experienced partner Lalit Bhasin 
is the driving force behind the practice and is particularly accomplished at handling aviation disputes.

Headed by Sameen Vyas, Luthra & Luthra’s aviation team has deeply entrenched relationships with a number of major players in the industry including Kingfisher Airlines, Deccan Airways and Lufthansa Airlines.

FoxMandal Little’s core aviation expertise is financing and leasing, from operating leases and export credit financings to commercial debt financings and tax-based transactions. Som Mandal is recommended.

Headed by Atul Sharma, Link Legal provides a ‘timely service’ to a number of key players in the industry. Spicejet remains a core client that the firm recently advised on the $600m sale and leaseback of ten aircraft.

The ‘excellent’ Rajinder Narain & Co advises US and Indian banks on aircraft financing, and on the leasing of aircraft to Indian entities. Ravinder Nath is highly regarded.

Seth Dua & Associates’ defence, aerospace and aviation practice has an impressive client roster including SAAB, Rafael and Boeing. The ‘highly knowledgeable and precise’ Sunil Seth heads the team.

Dua Associates is working closely with 
the International Foundation for Aviation, Aerospace & Development and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to advise on the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation Project (GAGAN). 
Other clients include Airports Economic Regulatory Authority, Universal Weather & Aviation, and Lufthansa Technik.

Amir Singh Pasrich at International Law Affiliates has an excellent reputation within the aviation industry. The firm exclusively acts for international carriers, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air France, including handling all of the latter’s disputes in India, in addition to investment, regulatory and general advisory work.

J Sagar Associates is defending InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of IndiGo, one of India’s largest low-cost airlines, in several proceedings before the Competition Commission relating to alleged price fixing.

O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates advises on corporate transactions and regulatory matters within the aviation industry. Clients include EADS India and Indo Pacific Aviation.

Titus & Co has handled work for Raytheon including its investments into India’s defence sector. Cargoitalia is also a client.

At Walia & Co Law Offices, Ranjit Singh Walia is well regarded for his aviation knowledge and is particularly accomplished at the intersection between regulatory and lobbying work; his standing in the industry is evidenced by his appointment to the panel committee of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Clients include FED-EX, Continental Airlines, Aeroflot and Druk Air.

Desai & Diwanji has a ‘first-rate reputation’ for aviation matters. The team advised Singapore Air Transport (SATS) and Air India on establishing ground-handling and baggage-handling facilities at Hyderabad and Delhi airports. Vihang Virker heads the team.

Gagrats’ ‘excellent’ team provides ‘high-quality advice’. It acted for Jet Airways (India) as lessee on the leasing of ATR aircraft from an Irish SPV of Investec, and on the leasing of Airbus aircraft from Intrepid Limited. Rustam Gagrat is deemed to be ‘particularly good’.

Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe has a longstanding reputation in the aviation sector and its expertise includes licensing, financing and dispute resolution. Hoshang D Nanavati is recommended.

Sameer Tapia’s team at ALMT Legal recently advised an international airline before the Competition Commission of India in a claim made by the Travel Agents Association of India.

Tyabji Dayabhai’s Nimish Vakil is recommended for aviation work.

AZB & Partners’ recent key matters include advising on the refinancing of three 
B787-800 aircraft leased to Jet Airways by GECAS. Zia Mody and Ashwin Ramanathan are recommended.

DSK Legal has advised Sahara Airlines in a high-profile dispute.

Rupali Sharma heads Kochhar & Co’s team, which advises Cambata Aviation on policy matters and has also acted for Emirates on employment matters.

Luthra & Luthra’s clients have included Kingfisher Airlines.

M.V.Kini & Co’s experience spans aviation, including aircraft, airports and aerospace laws, and its key clients include Air India. Ravi Kini is recommended.