The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - The Bar > London Bar > Aviation

Described by clients as a ‘brilliant set’ which is ‘full of stars’, Fountain Court Chambers displays expertise across commercial disputes and regulation cases, as well as aviation claims involving disaster and catastrophic losses and damage. Akhil Shah QC was instructed by the liquidators of Thomas Cook Airlines to assist in securing its slots at leading airports; in 2019, he led an expedited judicial review application brought by Manchester Airport against the CAA and Thomas Cook in which Shah represented the airline’s interests. Elsewhere, John Taylor QC led Ben Lynch in Blanche v Easyjet, a Court of Appeal test case concerning the interpretation of common rules on compensation and assistance to airline passengers in the event of delayed or cancelled flights.

'With considerable strength, depth and experience’, Quadrant Chambers ‘remains the go-to counsel for aviation accident disputes for claimants and defendants alike'. John Ashley Kimbell QC is acting for the claimants in Tonkinson v Cavaciuti, a compensation claim brought against the designer, manufacturer, and engine supplier of the aircraft involved in a fatal crash by dependents of the deceased. Members' work also ranges from arbitrations and inquests through to commercial disputes hinging on leases and aviation regulations. Mark Stiggelbout was instructed by British Airways in Ms Pamela Greene and Mr Marcus Greene-Christie v British Airways PLC, a sensitive claim concerning the disability and discrimination rights of autistic passengers.

Increasingly viewed as an ‘impressive' set in the aviation space, XXIV Old Buildings acts for airlines, lessors, and manufacturers, among other aviation stakeholders, mostly in commercial disputes. One notable highlight for Philip Shepherd QC includes Wallis Trading Inc v Air Tanzania Corporation Limited, a claim for over $30m against Air Tanzania and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. Steven Thompson QC is praised for sector knowledge, while at the junior end Bajul Shah and Arshad Ghaffar are the names to note; Tom Stewart Coat is a rising star in the field.