Firms To Watch: Transport: Aviation

Established in January 2022, boutique firm Leal Andreoli Advogados is entirely devoted to aviation, regulatory and airport infrastructure matters. Founding partner Roberta Andreoli, who handles a mix of aircraft financings, purchases and administrative proceedings, is best-known for her expertise in aviation law matters concerning drones.
Former Mattos Filho aviation law partner Adriana Simões established her own firm Simões Advogados in June 2023 entirely devoted to industry-related matters, including the lease, purchase, sale and financing of aircraft and aviation equipment, as well as contractual and regulatory issues.

Transport: Aviation in Brazil

Basch & Rameh

Banks and financial institutions regularly turn to Basch & Rameh for its longstanding experience in contentious and non-contentious aviation matters. Transactional and insurance-related mandates are key areas of expertise for Carlos Rameh. Renata Iezzi excels in aircraft financing and leasing matters, as well as aviation-related disputes.

Work highlights


Bernardi & Schnapp Advogados

Bernardi & Schnapp Advogados is a popular choice for international clients, including major airlines, insurers, airport operators and entities dedicated to the financing and manufacturing of aircraft, engaged in litigation and non-contentious aviation mandates. The group brings together considerable expertise in contractual and regulatory issues, and is also well positioned to handle complex judicial and administrative proceedings, tax and labour law matters in this space. With a wealth of experience in corporate, regulatory and contractual issues pertaining to the aviation sector, Ricardo Bernardi is the main point of contact within the team. Carla Cristina Schnapp is also noted for her strong aviation-related insurance, labour and dispute resolution capabilities.

Key clients

American Airlines


Air Canada


Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings


Condor Flugdienst GmbH


Delta Air Lines


Air Europa


Norwegian Air UK


Qatar Airways


South African Airways


United Airlines


Compañía de Aviación Paraguaya


United States Aviation Underwriters


Bell Helicopter


Textron Financial Corporation


Cessna Finance Corporation


Textron Aviation


International Air Transportation Association – IATA


Amerijet International


Surinam Airways


Flughafen München


Turkish Airlines


Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty


Usau United Aviation Underwriters


Associação Brasileira de Empresas Aéreas – ABEAR


Inversiones Líneas Aéreas Internacionales, Sociedad Limitada (Air Nostrum)


Deutsche Lufthansa


DDSA - De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff e Azevedo Advogados

At DDSA - De Luca, Derenusson, Schuttoff e Azevedo Advogados, the aviation group is made up of ‘excellent professionals‘ who exhibit ‘extensive knowledge of the industry‘. Singled out for its strong track record in aircraft financing and regulatory matters, the group is well versed in the entire spectrum of aviation mandates, ranging from insurance to litigation and tax issues. Led by Ana Luisa Derenusson, the team is also seen with great regularity advising on the purchase and sale of aircraft. Derenusson, who is rated for her ‘knowledge of all processes involving the financing, purchase and sale of aircraft‘, advises airlines, banks, air taxi operators, leasing companies and manufacturers in the full array of aviation matters. Recently promoted partner Rita de Cassia Fernandes de Godoy specialises in aviation financing, which is also an area of activity for associates Mariana Nogueira and Julia Machado.

Practice head(s):

Ana Luisa Derenusson


Testimonials

‘DDSA exhibits extensive knowledge of the industry they work in and have been providing us with excellent services for over 15 years. The partners and associates are extremely attentive and understand the client’s concerns and urgencies to maintain efficient operations. Compared to other firms, DDSA has a much higher level of expertise which gives us peace of mind and confidence.’

‘Ana Derenusson stands out for having a lot of experience in this market and knowledge of all processes involving the financing, purchase and sale of aircraft. In addition, Ana also stands out for being an excellent leader to her team of excellent professionals.’

‘Agility, transparency and quality of the contracted services.’

Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados

Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is home to ‘a seasoned team that provides responsive, well-reasoned advice‘ on the gamut of aviation matters, most notably M&A, restructurings, and industry consolidation deals. Besides its solid transactional credentials, the team is able to draw on the firm’s first-class banking and finance and public law practices to assist lessors, financial institutions, airlines and aircraft manufacturers with aircraft leasing and financing structures, as well as airport concessions and regulatory matters. The highly recommended Fabio Falkenburger maintains a broad infrastructure and arbitration practice, advising on the structuring of asset deals, leasing and financing transactions, and regulatory issues concerning airports. He is at the helm of the team, which also features aviation and project finance specialist Vitor Barbosa, and Marina Estrella, a noteworthy associate for matters pertaining to the financing and leasing of aircraft, incorporation of air taxi companies, and airport concession projects.

Practice head(s):

Fabio Falkenburger


Testimonials

‘The aviation team at Machado Meyer is, in my opinion, the best in Brazil. They are extremely dedicated to each client, always available and with an efficient and quality delivery. The technical quality of the partners is unquestionable.’

‘I highlight the work of Fabio Falkenburger. Fabio and his team are always up-to-date and engaged with industry activities, which makes them even more complete professionals. I also highlight the work of Vitor Barbosa and Marina Estrella.’

‘Its deep technical knowledge, teamwork and balance/willingness to seek a solution in difficult and complex discussions are perhaps the most important aspects that differentiate Machado Meyer from other firms.’

‘Fabio Falkenburger clearly stands out for being a leader who stimulates and gives opportunities for his team to grow.’

‘The firm has a very homogeneous and solid team. Team members are used to working in many different types of operations and have gained a lot of experience along the way.’

‘Fabio is an experienced and qualified professional and very pleasant to deal with. Vitor also stands out.’

‘Machado Meyer’s aviation practice in best-in-class. The firm has a seasoned team that provides responsive, well-reasoned advice, based on years of expertise. The firm appropriately staffs transactions and anticipates client needs as well as timing concerns.’

‘Fabio Falkenburger and Vitor Barbosa are stand-outs at the firm. As a client, we appreciate their expertise, accessibility, timely responses on leasing transaction and restructuring matters’

Key clients

Aercap


Nordic Aviation Capital


CDB Leasing


Abelo Aviation


JPMorgan


LATAM


TAM Linhas Aéreas


CACIB


Vale


Mercado Livre


Suzano


Societe Generale


ATR


PK Airfinance


UBS


Citi


Bank of America


TMF


Fulwood


ICON G


Rolls Royce


Costa, Albino & Rocha Sociedade de Advogados (CAR)

Following its merger with insurance powerhouse DR&A Advogados in May 2023, Costa, Albino & Rocha Sociedade de Advogados (CAR) is well placed to advise on the full array of liability claims involving the aviation sector. Typical mandates range from assisting lead insurers, reinsurers, airlines, airport companies and private aircraft operators in cases arising from accidents, cargo disputes and passenger lawsuits. Its non-contentious work is also noteworthy; the firm regularly provides advice on regulatory and financing issues, and is also a go-to choice for cross-border matters in light of its cooperation agreement with international firm HFW. The group is led by Julio Costa, and also includes Fernando Albino and senior associate Eduardo Penna.

Work highlights


Pinheiro Neto Advogados

With extensive experience in transactional and regulatory matters pertaining to the aviation sector, Pinheiro Neto Advogados offers advice to an impressive client roster comprised of major banks, financial institutions, lessors, carriers, air taxi companies and aircraft manufacturers. The group is particularly well versed in the sale and purchase of aircraft, leasing matters and financing deals, but is also adept in regulatory matters, restructurings and repossession actions. Rated for her ability to advise on cross-border mandates, the ‘excellentCaroline Guazzelli Queiroz Gomes marries in-depth knowledge of regulations with a wealth of experience in financing transactions; her workload is populated by innovative aircraft finance and leasing structures. Corporate lawyer Antonio de Paula Siqueira Filho is also active in this space; he is routinely engaged by financial institutions and corporates in relation to aircraft finance matters.

Testimonials

‘A very responsive team who is helpful on transactions.’

‘Caroline Guazzelli Queiroz Gomes is always happy to assist and available when required.’

‘Caroline Guazzelli Queiroz Gomes is an excellent lawyer. She knows the industry well, is responsive, and able to assist in cross-border matters.’

‘PN is always responsive and provides quality and simple-to-understand advice.’

‘Caroline Gomes and Antonio Filho are both very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Export-Import Bank of the United States


AMCK Aviation


Mitsubishi UFJ Finance Group


Banco Citibank (Brazil)


Citibank


Lease Corporation International – LCI


Work highlights


  • Assisted Ex-Im in connection with the termination of the lease of MSNs 41748 and 41993 Boeing B767 with LATAM Airlines Group and the subsequent sale of such aircraft to Jetran.
  • Acted for MUFG and Fuyo General Lease in the termination of the JOLCO aircraft finance structure entered into with LATAM Airlines in 2019.
  • Advised AMCK Aviation on the transfer of title of one Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently leased to GOL Linhas Aéreas.

ASBZ Advogados

The ‘outstanding team of attorneys‘ at ASBZ Advogados is often sought out by airlines and foreign carriers in relation to the litany of matters arising from the setting up and maintaining of operations in Brazil. The group is particularly adept at handling contentious aviation matters – with a special focus on tax, labour, environmental and passenger claims – and showcases extensive experience in proceedings before the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency. Aviation expert Guilherme Amaral jointly heads up the practice with ‘skilled litigatorThiago Carvalho, and associates Priscilla Zanetti and Renan Melo, a contact for administrative issues involving the civil aviation industry.

Practice head(s):

Guilherme Amaral; Thiago Carvalho; Renan Melo; Priscila Zanetti


Testimonials

‘This is an outstanding team of attorneys. They understand the client’s specific needs. They are extremely aware of the market realities. They are proactive and always recommend innovative solutions.’

‘Thiago Carvalho is a very skilled litigator.’

‘Guilherme Amaral is one of the best aviation lawyers in Brazil.’

Key clients

United Airlines


Société Air France


American Airlines


Emirates


Iberia Lineas Aereas de España


Trasportes Aéreos Portugueses – TAP


Alitalia Compagnia Aerea Italiana


Gol Linhas Aéreas


Singapore


El Al Israel


ITA Airways


JURCAIB – Organization of Representatives of Foreign Airlines in Brazil


British Airways


KLM – Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschapij


Azul Airlines


ABRAPAC – Brazilian Association of Civil Pilots


IATA – International Air Transport Association


KN – Kuehne+Nagel Logistic


Turkish Airlines


Korean Air


Uber


Flix Bus


Aer Lingus


Work highlights


  • Acted for IATA – International Air Transport Association in a judicial claim to revoke or invalidate the environmental preservation tax created by Guarulhos’ Municipal Law No. 8,014/2022.
  • Advised JURCAIB on the bill of law (PLV n. 5/2022) that imposed the duty for “free” transportation of luggage on domestic and international flights.
  • Acts for TAP, which is asking for the annulment of an administrative fine by the Consumer Protection Agency of Ceará (DECON/CE) resulting from the collection of a fee for the advance booking of seats by passengers.

Demarest Advogados

Full-service Demarest Advogados stands out for its in-depth understanding of the aviation industry, where it acts for a multitude of clients, ranging from airline carriers and aircraft manufacturers to engineering companies and governmental bodies. The aviation team is adept in corporate, financing and liability matters, and benefits from the firm’s strong corporate practice, which makes it well placed to handle M&A involving international airlines and its regulatory requirements. Other areas of expertise include restructurings of international airlines. Drawing on his previous in-house experience at major aviation companies, Gabriel Ricardo Kuznietz frequently acts in European and Latin American cross-border transactions. Bruno Aurélio is also a key member of the team and provides advice on infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Gabriel Ricardo Kuznietz


Key clients

LATAM Airlines Group


Aerolíneas Argentinas / Austral / Aerolíneas Cargo


Gol Linhas Aéreas


Mercadolivre.com Atividades de Internet Ltda / Mercado Envios Serviços de Logística


Delta Airlines


Iberia Líneas Aéreas


Virgin Orbit


Air France / KLM


Embraer / Eleb / Savis


Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras


Work highlights


  • Working with LATAM Airlines Group and its US Counsel in a dispute concerning the confirmation of the client’s restructuring plan.
  • Assisted Mercado Livre in the negotiation and execution of a long-term services agreement with Gol Linhas Aereas.
  • Helped Virgin Orbit obtain an operator’s licence for an air-launched rocket system and advised the client on the incorporation of its Brazilian subsidiary, Virgin Orbit Brazil.

Goulart Penteado Advogados

Founded in September 2021, boutique Goulart Penteado Advogados is especially active in judicial and administrative litigation concerning the aviation sector. Despite its recent history, the firm has already built a strong relationship with Brazilian and European airlines, which retain it in an array of contentious matters, including product liability, consumer and passenger claims. Co-head Luciana Goulart Penteado, who possesses over two decades’ experience in consumer law, regularly acts for aviation industry clients. Fellow co-leader Victor Hanna specialises in aviation law and civil litigation.

Practice head(s):

Luciana Goulart Penteado; Victor Hanna


Testimonials

‘Goulart Penteado Advogados stood out for its quick response and availability. The team is very approachable and open to propose new ideas and technological solutions for its clients.’

‘Victor Hanna really makes the difference within the team.’

‘Firm with excellent professional team and services.’

Key clients

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras


Aerolíneas Argentinas


Air Europa Líneas Aéreas


Azul Cargo


Azul Conecta


Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España


Austral


Work highlights


  • Assisting Aerolíneas Argentinas in managing its legal process portfolio in Brazil, including product liability claims and administrative proceedings.
  • Represents Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras in several lawsuits involving consumer complaints.
  • Assisting Air Europa in managing its legal process portfolio in Brazil.

Mattos Filho

Standing out for its strong transactional track record, Mattos Filho assists domestic and international airlines, air taxi companies, manufacturers, airport concessionaires and operators, as well as lessors, and banks in a host of aviation mandates. Deals involving the purchase and sale of aircraft is a key area of strength for the department, which is also engaged in lease and financing agreements, and debt restructuring. Drawing on its active interactions with regulators, including the Brazilian National Aviation Agency, the Department of Airspace Control and the Aeronautics Command, the group is also proficient in regulatory issues, compliance and administrative proceedings. Associates Marcelle Fazzato Lopes and Felipe Kotait handle aircraft finance deals, lease agreements and regulatory matters. Adriana Simões left the firm in June 2023.

Key clients

GOL Linhas Aéreas


Helicidade Heliporto


Air Jet Táxi Aéreo


Work highlights


  • Advised GOL Linhas Aéreas on the negotiation of a service provision agreement for air cargo transport with Mercado Livre.
  • Assisted Air Jet Táxi Aéreo in the sale of a 2002 Bombardier aircraft, model CL-600-2B16.
  • Advised Helicidade Heliporto on the purchase and import of one Airbus H130 T2 helicopter.

Montgomery & Associados

A popular choice for foreign airlines looking to establish an air route within Brazil, Montgomery & Associados provides multifaceted advice to aviation clients, ranging from day-to-day corporate matters to labour, regulatory and tax issues. Practice head Neil Montgomery, who is singled out for his in-depth knowledge of the industry, is a key contact for international airlines engaged in contentious and non-contentious matters. Senior associate Cristiane Silva de Oliveira, another name to note for airlines and aircraft lessors, stands out for her experience in repossession claims; she joined from AJ Law Advogados in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Neil Montgomery; Cristiane Silva de Oliveira


Testimonials

Neil Montgomery – personalised, immediate, precise service. Close to the client and knowledgeable of the industry.

Key clients

South African Airways


Air New Zealand


Aerolíneas Argentinas / Austral


Heavyweight Air Express


FB Líneas Aereas


Virgin Atlantic Airways


Viva Air


Cathay Pacific


Work highlights


  • Assists Flybondi in ongoing litigation, consumer, and regulatory matters.
  • Acted as exclusive Brazilian legal counsel to Viva Air in the establishing of its Brazilian operations.
     
  • Advises Aerolíneas Argentinas on labour disputes, day-to-day corporate and regulatory matters.

Rolim Goulart Cardoso Advogados

Local and international aircraft manufacturers and airlines regularly engage Rolim Goulart Cardoso Advogados for advice on aircraft leasing transactions, warranty negotiations, regulatory issues and dispute resolution. Tax law is a strong point for the Belo Horizonte-based department, which is particularly skilled in assisting clients from the aviation sector in tax planning and related contentious mandates. Leading the practice, Ricardo Alvarenga handles non-contentious matters and litigation, including judicial and administrative proceedings, in this space. Tadeu Negromonte de Moura specialises in tax issues related to the aviation and transport segments, which is also a core area of activity for Henrique Nogueira Pieroni.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Alvarenga


Key clients

Airbus Group Brasil Representações


Construtora Norberto Odebrecht


Líder Táxi Aéreo


EAO Empreendimentos Agropecuários e Obras


Helibras (Airbus Group)


Pacific Coast Group


Andrade Gutierrez


Conserva de Estradas


Aero Consulting – Consultores Associados


Construtora Cowan


Helivia Aero Táxi (Greenwich Aero Group)


Fly and Fun Táxi Aéreo


Airbus Brasil Negócios Aeroespaciais


Composite Technology – Reparos em Pás de Helicópteros


Sindicato Nacional das Empresas de Taxi Aéreo


Voar Cooperativa de Usuários de Aeronaves em Regime de Propriedade Compartilhada


Work highlights


  • Assisted Pacific Coast Grup in two lease agreements signed with Total Linhas Aéreas regarding the leasing of two Boeing 727 cargo aircraft.
  • Advised Fly and Fun Tax Aereo on a customs-related matter involving the import of a Bombardier aircraft subject to a financial lease agreement executed with a Swiss financial institution.
  • Represents Helibras (Airbus Group) in a lawsuit filed to assure the company’s right to have its tax returns’ requests analysed and deferred by the Brazilian Federal Revenue.

Veirano Advogados

Veirano Advogados is often called upon by an array of domestic and international clients, most notably banks, financial institutions and lessors, looking for guidance in all steps of aircraft financing and leasing. Praised for its ‘great industry knowledge‘ and proficiency in cross-border transactions, the group also boasts strong regulatory credentials. The ‘extremely efficientJoão Paulo Servera, who is a seasoned practitioner in asset finance deals and aviation-related commercial litigation, including repossession claims. He leads the Rio de Janeiro-based practice, where associates Maria Eduarda Mendonça and Reginaldo Sorrenti are other names to note for asset finance.

Practice head(s):

João Paulo Servera


Testimonials

‘Great industry knowledge, familiar with all processes related to international transactions from lease to repossession. Fast and efficient; very professional and reactive. Excellent expertise in aviation. Good support on tax as well. Great team.’

‘João Paulo Servera is extremely efficient, fast in his analysis and understanding of different business cases. Always providing tailored solutions and delivering them in due time. We were particularly pleased by his services.’

Key clients

CHC Helicopters Group


Greenwich Aerogroup


CHC do Brasil Táxi Aéreo


Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing


Capital Aviation Services


CHC Leasing Sarl


SMBC Aero Engine Lease


Airbus Financial Services


Bocomm Aviation Leasing Ireland Limited


World Star Aviation


Arena Partners


Export Development Canada – EDC


Regional One


Argraflug Helilift


Professional Aircraft Services


HELICÓPTEROS DO BRASIL – HELIBRAS


INVESTEC BANK LIMITED


Lockheed Martin


Sikorsky Corporation


Work highlights


  • Assisted Arena Partners in a finance transaction and new loan amendment to FBR Aviation for the acquisition of six aircraft.