Transport in Israel
Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co
Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co is ‘highly skilled in aviation law’, particularly on the contentious side, where it secures a significant volume of consumer, cargo and civil litigation on behalf of major airlines. The team is also active in regulatory and finance matters in the aviation space, while on the infrastructure front it routinely handles road and rail projects. Department head Shirly Kazir is widely lauded for her aviation industry expertise, with sources commending her as an ‘outstanding leader’ — she also handles maritime disputes. Other key contacts include projects head Gilad Winkler and senior litigator Reuven Behar.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘This is a cutting-edge team highly skilled in aviation law.’
‘Good knowledge of local litigation practices; very responsive; good strategic thinking.’
‘The team demonstrates in-depth knowledge and understanding, with a fantastic ability to provide a valid and innovative interpretation of the law, benefiting the airline in a tremendously competitive growing market.’
‘The team is highly valued, well respected and happy to meet the growing challenges of this industry.’
‘Available 24/7 when needed. Proactive approach, up-to-date on market development and able to suggest correction action to prevent exposure (if there is any).’
‘Great co-operation, knowledge of the industry and ability to judge various situations.’
‘They are very proactive and inform us on legal matters/news/novelties on our interest in Israel and offer to provide guidance. Their assessment is assertive and very practical. They are always trying to learn more about us in order to provide better, feasible advice.’
‘Creative minds to solve issues and always protect our interests. Able to provide practical solutions for legal issues, which fit legally and are also in line with commercial needs.’
‘Shirly Kazir, Liron Cohen, Reuven Behar are main points of contact. All three leading legal advisers are extremely helpful and always look for the benefit for our firm. They never let me or my company down. One-stop-shop for all our needs.’
‘Shirly Kazir is the key person for us. She makes everything move, fit and make sense. Reuven Behar is a wonderful senior support for her in our matters.’
‘Shirly Kazir is able to address the current challenges in a timely manner, providing the full package and tailor-made solutions. The level of creativity and courage in handling the legal issues stands out in every possible criterion. ’
‘Shirly is an outstanding leader accessible and attentive to the changing market and her customers.’
‘I have never worked with such a professional attorney as Shirly! Dedicated clever creative and intelligent, Shirly has proved herself to be loyal and resourceful.’
Key clients
Aerolinias Argentina’s
Air Europa
Air France
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty
Arkia Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Bangkok Airlines
British Airways PLC
Classic Air
Delta Airlines
easyJet
El Al Airlines
Finnair Plc.
Germania
Iberia
Korean Air
Lufthansa
Pegasus Airlines Inc.
QAS – Quality Airport Services
Unitag
Ryanair DAC
Silk Way West Airlines
Small Planet Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Wizz Air
Bombardier Transportation GmbH, Bombardier Transportation Israel Ltd.
Colas Rail SA (France)
Egged Holding Ltd.
Meridiam SAS
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd
Systra SA (France)
Thales Communications & Security SAS (France)
Shikun & Binui Ltd.
Africa Israel Group
Clal Insurance Co. Ltd.
Ford Motor Company
Thrifty Rent a Car System Inc.
Work highlights
- Acted for several airlines, including Delta Airlines and Wizz Air Hungary, in opposing class actions concerning airport tax refunds in respect to unused tickets.
- Represented QAS (Quality Airport Services) in a major claim submitted against it, together with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Israeli Airport Authority, by Neos Italian Airlines relating to alleged damages suffered by Neos during the July 2014 war in Israel.
- Represented a consortium (comprised of Meridiam, Shikun & Binui and Egged Holding) in a tender for the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the LRT Line and the J-Net of the Jerusalem Metropolitan Light Rail Transit.
Herzog Fox & Neeman
Herzog Fox & Neeman’s ‘excellent knowledge of the industry’ translates into a broad transport practice, which has strong skill sets in aviation, public transport and road projects. Arguably, the team is best known for its strength in finance-related matters, particularly in the aviation sector for clients such as Aviation Capital Group, BNP Paribas and MG Aviation. It also has supplementary expertise in transport technology, with recent experience in satellite navigation and driverless cars. Aviation head Alan Sacks and project finance specialist Mark Phillips are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Excellent knowledge of the industry.’
‘Practicable, clear and helpful advice.’
‘Sets itself apart through the responsiveness and clarity of advice.’
Key clients
Aviation Capital Group
BNP Paribas
Boeing
Citypass Ltd.
Citibank N.A.
UK Export Finance
BlackRock Investment Management
Banc of America Leasing Ireland
ING Bank
MG Aviation
Work highlights
- Advised Aviation Capital Group on the sale-and-leaseback of a new A320neo aircraft and also on the lease of another aircraft.
- Advised CityPass and Connect Jerusalem LRT, as the concessionaire and operator, on the red line project in Jerusalem.
- Acting for the concessionaire of the road 431 on its $500m shadow toll PFI project.
Naschitz, Brandes, Amir & Co.
Naschitz, Brandes, Amir & Co.’s first-class transport practice is well balanced between maritime and aviation law and is best known for its strong record in high-stakes litigation — it also handles corporate and commercial work. Clients include the full range of industry participants, including ports, airlines, shipowners and operators, insurers and banks. Department head Ilan Winder specialises in aviation, with his recent work spanning matters for Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Ukraine International Airlines. Senior associate Merav Nur focuses on shipping, with an emphasis on disputes.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Ashdod Port
Austrian Airlines
Boxline United Cargo Link
El Al Israeli Airlines
Haifa Port
LOT Polish Airlines
Lufthansa
RCL Cruises
SGD Engineering
Shipco Transport
Swissport Israel
Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd
Ukraine International Airlines
RwandaAir
Work highlights
- Advised Ashdod Port, one of Israel’s two main cargo ports, on all damage claims involving ship injuries incurred as a result of port infrastructure.
- Represented Haifa Port in bringing a claim against a crane manufacturer relating to damage caused to the port’s infrastructure.
- Represented Lufthansa in a class action concerning the right to refunds in the case of flight cancellations.
S. Friedman & Co. Advocates & Notaries
‘Very highly regarded in shipping circles’, S. Friedman & Co. Advocates & Notaries is well known for its longstanding close relationships with major industry names such as ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, Maersk Line and Portline HK. Alongside its premier maritime practice, the group also has experience in aviation and rail-related matters. Amir Cohen-Dor heads the maritime, aviation and transportation department and is highlighted as the ‘foremost shipping law authority in Israel’. The group also includes Michael Safran, who specialises in shipbuilding matters, ship sale and purchase and shipping finance.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Always available and accessible. Handle matters professionally. Very highly regarded in local shipping circles.’
‘By far the most knowledgeable and trustworthy practice.’
‘Amir Cohen-Dor is our main point of contact. We consider him to be the foremost shipping law authority in Israel.’
‘Amir’s professional manner and personality are outstanding. Always available for advice and “delivers the goods” when necessary to issue claims.’
Key clients
Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
Maersk Israel Ltd.
Portline HK
Gadot Chemical Tankers and Terminals Ltd.
Terminal Investment Limited Sàrl (TIL)
M. Dizengoff & Co (P&I Representatives) Ltd.
Israel Shipyards Ltd.
The Israel Chamber of Shipping
COSCO Shipping Holdings Co., Ltd.
Orient Overseas (International) Limited
Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd.
Allalouf & Co. Shipping Ltd., M. Dizengoff & Co (P&I Representatives) Ltd. and 13 additional shipping agencies
Gal Marine Ltd.
Overseas Commerce Ltd.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haifa and the North
Dead Sea Works (a part of the ICL group)
The National Coal Supply Corp. Ltd.
Israel Railways Corporation Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised ZIM Integrated Shipping Services on all legal aspects of its global activities, including litigation and commercial agreements.
- Assisted Gadot Chemical Tankers and Terminals with its day-to-day operations.
- Advised Terminal Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company, on matters related to the establishment of the new Hadarom Terminal.
Gottlieb Gera & Co. Advocates
Gottlieb Gera & Co. Advocates’ transport offering straddles its aviation and asset-backed finance practices, which translates into a marked focus on aviation finance and leasing transactions. It also handles financings in the rail and automotive sectors. The team is further distinguished by its international dimension, with experience in both inbound and outbound transactions for a range of aircraft owners and operators, financial institutions, aircraft manufacturers and parts suppliers. Managing partner Charles Gottlieb is highly sought after for his aviation expertise, which spans finance, M&A and regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Harris & Co. Maritime Law Office
‘Experts in a niche market’, Harris & Co. Maritime Law Office’s exclusive focus on maritime and admiralty law ensures that it is well versed across the full scope of industry issues. Notable areas of expertise include ship sales and purchases, financing transactions, ship arrests and wet and dry litigation. Founding partner John Harris and managing partner Yoav Harris are ‘experts in shipping generally, and in Israeli shipping law in particular’. Representative clients include shipowners, operators, charterers, freight forwarders and insurers.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Years of experience, extraordinary service.’
‘Professional, very honest, available and ready to assist.’
‘They are very user-friendly and responsive.’
‘Yoav Harris is the most knowledgeable lawyer in his field.’
‘John Harris has been very responsive to our requests.’
‘John Harris and Yoav Harris are experts in shipping generally, and in Israeli shipping law in particular. We have had a positive experience with very good results.’
‘John and Yoav are experts in a niche market.’
Ilan Orly & Co. Law Firm
Transport boutique Ilan Orly & Co. Law Firm concentrates exclusively on maritime and aviation law, with a dominant practice in the former field. The group is recognised for its strength across all key areas of shipping, including sale and purchase transactions, shipbuilding, ship finance, marine insurance and casualty. Firm founder Ilan Orly is an acknowledged leader in shipping law. Eran Shellac is also recommended and leads the firm’s growing yachts and mega yachts practice.
Practice head(s):
Leshem-Kipperman, Law Offices & Notary
Leshem-Kipperman, Law Offices & Notary specialises in transport, liability and insurance law, with a focus on the aviation and shipping areas. Litigation is a sweet spot and the group has expertise across a range of product liability, cargo claims and admiralty disputes. On the non-contentious side, the group advises on finance, regulatory issues and sale and purchase transactions. Moshe Leshem and Irit Leshem Kipperman are the names to note.
Practice head(s):
S. Horowitz & Co
S. Horowitz & Co’s transport practice spans the aviation, rail and auto industries, with clients including airlines, satellite operators, suppliers of rolling stock, and suppliers of travel-related services. Department co-head Hugh Kowarsky is noted for his aviation expertise and, alongside fellow co-head Eyal Doron, recently represented British Airways and Ryanair in contentious matters. The group also advises on market regulation, corporate finance transactions and infrastructure development.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Ryanair DAC
British Airways
El Al Israeli Airlines
S.C Blue Air Airline Management Solutions SRL
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
Changchun Railway Vehicles. LTD
SC Western Segment’s Construction L.P.
Minrav Holdings Ltd. (TASE: MNRV)
Oron Group Holdings & Investments Ltd.
Magnezi Group Ltd.
Ramet Ltd. (Through holder of controlling interest in El-Har Engineering & construction Ltd. and Kardan Real Estate Enterprise & Development Ltd.)
Shikun & Binui Solel Boneh
China Motors Ltd.
Aero Handling Ltd.
Public Joint Stock Company “Center for cargo container traffic”
“TransContainer”
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Scania
Ashdod Port Company
Flying Cargo Ltd
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd.
Bank Hapoalim BM
SmartLynx Airlines
SmartLynx Airlines Estonia
Work highlights
- Advised Bank Hapoalim on a series of aircraft financings, totalling over $100m.
- Acted for SC Western Segment’s Construction on the construction of the Red Line segment of the Tel Aviv Light Railway.
- Represented British Airways in a claim filed by four travel agencies allegedly denied access to information about British Airways’ flights on the global distribution system system.
AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co
‘One-stop-shop’, AYR – Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochatovitch & Co routinely advises transport industry clients on regulation, litigation, project tenders, finance transactions and commercial agreements. The multi-disciplinary practice draws together expertise from a wide range of sectors, with road-related matters a particular sweet spot due to its close relationships with Kesher Rent A Car, Mayer Group and Kavim Public Transportation, the second-largest public transportation company in Israel. The department is jointly headed by litigator Ram Jeanne, class action head Yaron Reiter and corporate and commercial lead Yoav Caspi.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘AYR is a one-stop-shop and is able to assist us with any matter, in any field, we may come across, always with professionalism and courtesy.’
‘We are very pleased with the service we receive from AYR; quick and professional responses, and it always helps us find the solution that is right for our business.’
‘AYR’s lawyers work efficiently, provide us with a quick response and help us to find creative and innovative solutions to issues we come across.’
Key clients
Kavim Public Transportation LTD.
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Mayer Group
Keshser Rent A Car Ltd. (HERTZ)
Merkavim Transportation Technologies
Auto Center Limited Partnership
Shlomo Sixt Group
Aero Handling Ltd.
FSM Ground Services
Danya Cebus and China Civil
Work highlights
- Advised Kavim Public Transportation on day-to-day matters, including public tenders, litigation and regulatory issues.
- Advised El Al Israel Airlines on numerous matters, including corporate and compliance issues.
- Assisted Keshser Rent A Car with its ongoing operations.
Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co.
Leveraging the strength of its hi-tech and start-up practice, Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co. had a strong showing in technology-related transport matters over the past year, particularly in the auto and bus spaces. Among its highlights, the firm advised Intel-owned Mobileye on its groundbreaking joint venture with Volkswagen and Champion Motors for the launch of a commercial self-driving ride-hailing service in Israel. The department is led jointly by corporate and M&A head Doni Toledano and energy and infrastructure specialist Uri Noy.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
CAF Investment Projects S.A.
Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd.
Maman Cargo Terminals Ltd.
Egged Ta’avura
Haifa Municipality
Afcon Electric Transportation Ltd.
Israeli Aerospace Industry Ltd. (“IAI”)
Emerge Fund
Ta’avura Holdings Ltd.
Metropoline – Public Transport Ltd.
Dor Alon Energy in Israel (1988) Ltd.
Magma Ventures, Vertex Venture Capital, Samsung Catalyst and Japanese SBI Holdings, Inc.
Arbe Robotics Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Intel-owned Mobileye on its joint venture with Volkswagen and Champion Motors for the launch of a commercial self-driving ride-hailing service in Israel.
- Successfully represented Maman Cargo Terminals in an arbitration proceeding against Israel Airports Authority.
- Advised Haifa Municipality on tenders relating to its plans to replace its vehicle fleet with natural gas-powered vehicles.
Goldfarb Seligman & Co.
Goldfarb Seligman & Co.’s cross-practice group brings together diverse skill sets in litigation, infrastructure, corporate and M&A, regulation and technology. The firm acts for local and global companies and public-sector entities across all transport spheres, with its recent work spanning rail, aviation, maritime and roads. Rami Sofer, who heads the corporate, finance and infrastructure department, is noted for his record in infrastructure projects. Commercial and international litigation head Zvi Bar-Nathan is a key contact for contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
PJSC Aeroflot – Russian Airlines (“Aeroflot”)
Netivei Ayalon Ltd. (Ayalon Highways)
Ford Motor Company
Volvo
Bird Rides, Inc.
Siemens AG
BMC
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Egged Israel Transport Cooperative Society Ltd.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
Cross Israel Highway Ltd.
Israir Airlines & Tourism Ltd.
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd.
Avis Rent A Car System LLC and its Israeli franchisee UTS Universal Transportation Solutions Ltd.
Budget Rent A Car Israel – Domicar Ltd.
Carasso Motors Ltd. and its subsidiary Pacific Vehicle And Transportation Ltd.
S. Shlomo Vehicle Ltd.
Raxi LLC
Yango
Carmelton Group Ltd.
Bird Aerosystems Ltd.
Shufersal Ltd.
Eldan Transportation Ltd.
Albar Mimunit Services Ltd.
S. Shlomo Holdings Ltd.
HopOn Mobility Ltd.
Cabiran (1991) Ltd.
Shasha Tours (95) Ltd.
Derech Eretz Tours
David Lubinski Ltd.
Colmobil Group
Mayer’s Cars and Trucks Ltd
Mediterranean Car Agency Ltd. (MCA)
Delek Motors Ltd.
Max Trucks and Buses Ltd.,
Avnir Car Company Ltd.
S. Shlomo Group
Dan Public Transportation Co Ltd.
Battery Ventures L.P
Tama Plastic Industry Ltd.,
Eldan Cargo 2000 Ltd.
E & J Tire Recycling Center Ltd.
Daka Tires Ltd.
Krief Albatros Ltd.
Transworld Logistics Ltd.
International Chamber of Customs and Shipping Agents
Leschaco Ltd.
Raphael Katz & Co. Customs Clearance Ltd
Sivanit International Forwarders Ltd.
Noach Niv Customs Agents Ltd.
BeFresh Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Netivei Ayalon (Ayalon Highways) on regulatory issues, tender processes and commercial agreements related to all its projects.
- Represented PJSC Aeroflot – Russian Airlines in various matters, including litigation proceedings held in Israel.
- Represented the Ford Motor Company in motions to certify class actions against it.
Gornitzky & Co.
Gornitzky & Co. handles a range of transport matters, with an emphasis on road-related work. The firm’s close relationship with major public transport operator Dan Public Transportation paid dividends over the past year and the firm advised the client on several matters. Most notably, it advised Dan on its collaboration with VIA Mobility Israel to establish Bubble, a new on-demand shuttle van service — managing partner Kfir Yadgar led that work. Infrastructure partner Yiftah Farber is also noted for his record in bus-related issues.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Dan Public Transportation Company Ltd.
Pandan Advanced Transportation Ltd.
Ford Motor Company
Gauzy Ltd.
Electra Ltd
ALSTOM Transport SA
Dan South Transportation (2015) Ltd.
Dan Beer Sheva Transportation (2016) Ltd.
Toyota Research Institute
Israel Railways Corporation Ltd.
Nahor Netivey Tahbura Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Dan Public Transportation Company on its agreement with VIA mobility Israel regarding the operation of Bubble, the first public-transport-on-demand service in Israel.
- Assisted Ford Motor Company with its venture investment in Saips AC Limited, as well as on day-to-day corporate and commercial matters.
- Advised Pandan Advanced Transportation on various transactions and long-term service agreements.
Meitar Law Offices
The ‘very experienced team’ at Meitar Law Offices is particularly active in infrastructure projects, with sources highlighting its familiarity with all project models. It also advises on aviation matters for clients such as AerCap and El-AL Airlines. Alon Gellert leads the regulation group and has a strong track record in transport disputes. Project finance head Jonathan Finklestone is noted for infrastructure development.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘A very experienced team in the transport world. It handles most relevant areas, including EPC, O&M, PPP, project finance and construction, across several different fields, including roads and rail.’
Key clients
Alstom Transportation Israel
Dan – one of the largest public transportation companies in Israel
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Volkswagen AG
Mayer Cars and Trucks Ltd.
Or Yarok
Sichuan Airline
Cross Israel Highway Ltd.
Hainan Airlines
Egged
Via Transportation
MetroStar Airways
AerCap
Hertz – Rent a Car
Maradin
Cockpit Innovation Ltd (A subsidiary of El Al Airlines)
Oryx Visiton
Saverone
Fleetonomy
Upstream Security Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium comprised of Shikun & Binui and Egged Holdings on its bid to design, construct, finance, operate and maintain dynamic toll lanes, and park-and-ride facilities into the Tel Aviv metropolitan region.
- Represented Alstom in arbitration proceedings with the Government of Israel concerning prolongation and disruption in connection with the Jerusalem light rail project.
- Advised Shapir Engineering Cross Israel North as the successful bidder for the BOT concession on the construction and operation of the Cross-Israel Highway.
Salomon, Lipschütz & Co.
Salomon, Lipschütz & Co. houses a robust public transportation practice, which is particularly prominent in the bus space on behalf of operators such as Nateev Express, Afikim and Metropoline. The firm is also active in the shipping sector due to its close relationship with Haifa Port. Regulatory and contentious work are the key pillars of the practice, but it also advises on commercial agreements. Department head Amit Gur has a strong record in administrative law.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Public Transportation Private companies’ forum
Nateev Express
Public Transportation operators in East Jerusalem
Afikim – Public Transportation
Haifa Port
Metropoline Public Transport
Kavim Public Transport
TourBus
Arie Shasha transportation
Bon Tour
Work highlights
- Advised a forum of public transportation companies on a petition filed against the Ministry of Transportation.
- Advised Nateev Express on day-to-day matters, including on negotiations with the Ministry of Transport to extend the operating agreements between the ministry and the company.
- Represented seven companies that operate public transportation services in the East Jerusalem area in a claim against Clal Insurance for refusing to provide compulsory insurance for buses in East Jerusalem due to sectoral discrimination.
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries’ practice is increasingly weighted towards transport infrastructure, with its recent activity spanning port, rail and tunnel projects. The group also continues to handle a significant volume of aviation work, particularly contentious matters, for clients such as Israel Airports Authority, B. Sky flight services and Corendon Dutch Airlines. Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky is the key contact for infrastructure projects, while Ron Genat is noted for his aviation experience.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘An extremely knowledgeable team.’
Key clients
DHL
CRTG and EEB
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
Swissport Israel
Israel Railways Company
Israel Airports Authority
Corendon Dutch Airlines; Meridiana, Bulgaria Air; ASL Airlines Ireland; Thomas Cook; Jetairfly TUIFly
Israel Airline Pilots Association
Ashtrom Group; Oron Group Ltd.; Kavim Ltd.
The Association of Israeli Transportation Companies
Work highlights
- Advised the contractor, formed by Ashtrom and Shapir, on the construction of the new NIS$4bn Port of Haifa.
- Advised China-based companies CRTG and EEB on their successful NIS2.5bn tender for the electric and communication systems in the Tel Aviv light rail project.
- Advised the Israel Airline Pilots Association on regulatory and contentious matters.
Shibolet & Co.
Shibolet & Co. acts for a varied mix of transport clients, with Israeli and multinational start-ups, mid-size companies and market leaders all on the team’s books. Rail is a strong suit and the team advises Israel Railways on procurement issues, commercial agreements and contentious matters. The firm also advises bidding consortia on tenders for infrastructure projects, including rail, port and road projects. Corporate and commercial partner Gadi Ouzan jointly heads the department alongside infrastructure specialist David Magriso.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
General Motors
Albar Leasing (R.Z) Ltd.
Air Berlin
NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd.
Netivei Israel – National Transport Infrastructure Company Ltd.
Lease Car
China Construction Company Ltd.
Mobi-Wize
Gasngo
Optibus
Domicar Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted for Israel Railways on publishing a tender for the construction of two sections of the extension of the national rail line grid.
- Advised the TransJerusalem J-Net consortium (comprised of CAF and Shapir) on its successful bid for the Jerusalem light rail transit network project.
- Advised Masada Infrastructure on a subcontracting agreement for construction and fit-out works in connection with a concession to operate the port of Haifa’s new Bay Terminal.