Described as ‘top of the premier league of aviation barristers,’ Fountain Court Chambers‘ members represent major airlines, lessors and manufacturers in disputes concerning leasing, purchase and redeliveries. Hull damage and loss claims, in addition to fatal incidents also fall within the set’s remit, with barristers representing various parties in accidents involving both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Akhil Shah KC was instructed by Qatar Airways in its dispute with Airbus over A350 surface degradation, with Rosalind Phelps KC representing the manufacturer; Qatar Airways alleged that paint peeling from these aircraft, exposing the lightning mesh beneath, constituted a safety hazard and grounded several of the type, while Airbus contended that this was merely a cosmetic issue; the matter was settled in February 2023. Head of chambers Bankim Thanki KC is frequently sought out by lessors engaged in litigation around aircraft condition, maintenance obligations and rent payments, while Michael McLaren KC is acting on several disputes concerning business jets. James Cutress KC has expertise in cross-border aviation matters, with notable strength in advising on leasing issues. Giles Robertson is noted for his expertise in financing issues in the aviation sector, including advising on cases where fraud is alleged.
Aviation in
London Bar
Fountain Court Chambers
Testimonials
‘Very efficient – Sian Huckett is first class.’
‘Alex Taylor is always an absolute pleasure to deal with. Sian Huckett is one of the hardest working clerks I know. Fraser Linning is very responsive.’
‘Very good overall, with Katie Szewczyk and Sian Huckett standing out in particular. They are both very helpful and responsive, realistic on timing issues, and sensible in relation to fee arrangements.’
‘Great service from the clerks’ room, especially Sian Huckett.’
‘The clerking service is outstanding. There is a clear understanding by the clerks of the different facets of the aviation market. The clerks are extremely responsive to client needs.’
‘Outstanding clerking service. The clerks understand the market and are very responsive to the needs of clients.’
‘Quick and responsive, commercially-minded, flexible in terms of budget and always ready to make good recommendations for new barristers.’
‘Outstanding clerking team. The clerks understand the aviation market and its different facets. They provide a highly sophisticated, responsive service to their clients.’
Quadrant Chambers
Offering ‘a broad range of talent across the juniors and KCs’ who handle aviation matters, Quadrant Chambers‘ barristers are called upon by the world’s leading airlines and lessors on matters ranging from EC261 claims to major commercial disputes concerning hull damage and non-payment of rent among other issues. John Kimbell KC is frequently called upon in regard to fatal accidents while Robert-Jan Temmink KC is engaged in coverage and leasing disputes arising out of the imposition of sanctions in Russia. Matthew Reeve KC, appointed silk in 2023, acted for the family of the footballer Emiliano Sala in the inquest into his death in a crash near Guernsey in 2019, in addition to work on leasing disputes – Tom Bird acted for the aircraft’s maintenance providers in the Sala inquest. Craig Williams acts for lessors and airlines in a range of commercial disputes, while also handling hull damage and fatal accident claims.
Testimonials
‘Very good overall, with Daniel Westerman standing out in particular. He is very helpful and responsive. Shout-outs too for Rob Frankish, Mike Wright and Billy Beckett.’
‘Rob Frankish is attracting increasing respect for his calmness and his attention to the client’s needs.’
‘Good – excellent service and really helpful – especially Daniel Westerman.’
‘An excellent aviation set, with strong credentials in insurance work.’
‘A strong set with a long-established and good reputation in aviation matters.’
‘Quadrant is a brilliant set with a great practice.’
‘First class set for aviation and transport.’
‘Strong on aviation, knowledgeable and customer friendly.’
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
Regarded as a “go-to set” for aviation insurance matters, 7 King’s Bench Walk‘s barristers are instructed by global insurers and lessors on major disputes, most notably on several disputes arising out of the re-registration of aircraft leased to Russian carriers. Head of chambers Gavin Kealey acts for several insurers defending claims totalling in the billions of dollars for aircraft seized in Russia, and his practice further encompasses claims for hull damage and loss. Emma Hilliard is also noted for her aviation insurance practice, while Harry Wright has a broad commercial practice that includes disputes between airlines and lessors and hull damage claims. Elizabeth Lindesay represents clients in insurance and reinsurance disputes, including in cases involving fatalities and maintenance issues.
Testimonials
‘Gary Rose – runs the show and makes everything run like clockwork.’
‘Gary Rose is excellent and a great support, proactive and helpful in all aspects.’
‘7KBW are a premier set in the insurance/reinsurance field and this is evident by the fact that the set is the “go-to” set in all big insurance/reinsurance matters. The aviation insurance losses arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are the biggest losses the aviation insurance industry has faced (circa $US 10bn) and it is not surprising that the majority of 7KBW are somehow involved in this matter.’
‘Go to set for shipping and insurance disputes.’
‘All counsel are exceptional, and most counsel at this set are involved in the Russian aircraft litigation.’
XXIV Old Buildings
‘A go-to set for aviation disputes,’ XXIV Old Buildings‘ barristers act for airlines and lessors on the spectrum of aviation issues, including leasing matters, fatal and hull damage incidents in addition to insolvency proceedings and cargo claims. Steven Thompson KC has a broad practice that encompasses maintenance disputes, sale and purchase and leasing disputes, while Edward Cumming KC specialises in aircraft maintenance cases, with further experience in aviation regulation. Bajul Shah acted for the Qatar Airlines in its dispute with Airbus concerning peeling paint of A350 aircraft, with the airline grounding several of the type and alleging that this constituted a safety issue, a claim which Airbus denied. He also handles insolvency matters and ownership disputes. Erin Hitchens was also instructed by Qatar Airlines in their dispute with Airbus and often appears in the Commercial Court regarding summary judgements and interim applications, with Tom Stewart Coats handling a growing commercial caseload in addition to acting for airlines facing EC261 claims.
Testimonials
‘Very good service from all clerks and Paul Horsfield – always responsive and alive to client concerns.’
‘A first class clerking team – Paul Horsfield, James Ladbrook and Perry Brown are all reliable and friendly, able to find solutions and work with instructing solicitors to serve the clients.’
‘Very good clerks, responsive and understanding of the pressures that solicitors are under. Paul Horsfield, Perry Brown and Tommie Drury all stand out.’
‘Paul Horsfield has done a really great job since taking over. He is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘The clerks I have dealt with at XXIV Old Buildings are professional and offer a first-rate service. They are responsive and extremely helpful to any request. In particular, I have dealt with James Ladbrook and Lyndon Tiller – both of whom are easy to work with, very efficient and more than happy to help.’
‘We have a long-standing relationship with XXIV Old Buildings and work well with a number of silks and juniors.’
‘Good aviation set.’
‘A go-to set for aviation disputes, with a wide range of excellent barristers at all levels.’
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Testimonials
‘Very efficient – Sian Huckett is first class.’
‘Alex Taylor is always an absolute pleasure to deal with. Sian Huckett is one of the hardest working clerks I know. Fraser Linning is very responsive.’
‘Very good overall, with Katie Szewczyk and Sian Huckett standing out in particular. They are both very helpful and responsive, realistic on timing issues, and sensible in relation to fee arrangements.’
‘Great service from the clerks’ room, especially Sian Huckett.’
‘The clerking service is outstanding. There is a clear understanding by the clerks of the different facets of the aviation market. The clerks are extremely responsive to client needs.’
‘Outstanding clerking service. The clerks understand the market and are very responsive to the needs of clients.’
‘Quick and responsive, commercially-minded, flexible in terms of budget and always ready to make good recommendations for new barristers.’
‘Outstanding clerking team. The clerks understand the aviation market and its different facets. They provide a highly sophisticated, responsive service to their clients.’
Quadrant Chambers
Offering ‘a broad range of talent across the juniors and KCs’ who handle aviation matters, Quadrant Chambers‘ barristers are called upon by the world’s leading airlines and lessors on matters ranging from EC261 claims to major commercial disputes concerning hull damage and non-payment of rent among other issues. John Kimbell KC is frequently called upon in regard to fatal accidents while Robert-Jan Temmink KC is engaged in coverage and leasing disputes arising out of the imposition of sanctions in Russia. Matthew Reeve KC, appointed silk in 2023, acted for the family of the footballer Emiliano Sala in the inquest into his death in a crash near Guernsey in 2019, in addition to work on leasing disputes – Tom Bird acted for the aircraft’s maintenance providers in the Sala inquest. Craig Williams acts for lessors and airlines in a range of commercial disputes, while also handling hull damage and fatal accident claims.
Testimonials
‘Very good overall, with Daniel Westerman standing out in particular. He is very helpful and responsive. Shout-outs too for Rob Frankish, Mike Wright and Billy Beckett.’
‘Rob Frankish is attracting increasing respect for his calmness and his attention to the client’s needs.’
‘Good – excellent service and really helpful – especially Daniel Westerman.’
‘An excellent aviation set, with strong credentials in insurance work.’
‘A strong set with a long-established and good reputation in aviation matters.’
‘Quadrant is a brilliant set with a great practice.’
‘First class set for aviation and transport.’
‘Strong on aviation, knowledgeable and customer friendly.’
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
Regarded as a “go-to set” for aviation insurance matters, 7 King’s Bench Walk‘s barristers are instructed by global insurers and lessors on major disputes, most notably on several disputes arising out of the re-registration of aircraft leased to Russian carriers. Head of chambers Gavin Kealey acts for several insurers defending claims totalling in the billions of dollars for aircraft seized in Russia, and his practice further encompasses claims for hull damage and loss. Emma Hilliard is also noted for her aviation insurance practice, while Harry Wright has a broad commercial practice that includes disputes between airlines and lessors and hull damage claims. Elizabeth Lindesay represents clients in insurance and reinsurance disputes, including in cases involving fatalities and maintenance issues.
Testimonials
‘Gary Rose – runs the show and makes everything run like clockwork.’
‘Gary Rose is excellent and a great support, proactive and helpful in all aspects.’
‘7KBW are a premier set in the insurance/reinsurance field and this is evident by the fact that the set is the “go-to” set in all big insurance/reinsurance matters. The aviation insurance losses arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are the biggest losses the aviation insurance industry has faced (circa $US 10bn) and it is not surprising that the majority of 7KBW are somehow involved in this matter.’
‘Go to set for shipping and insurance disputes.’
‘All counsel are exceptional, and most counsel at this set are involved in the Russian aircraft litigation.’
XXIV Old Buildings
‘A go-to set for aviation disputes,’ XXIV Old Buildings‘ barristers act for airlines and lessors on the spectrum of aviation issues, including leasing matters, fatal and hull damage incidents in addition to insolvency proceedings and cargo claims. Steven Thompson KC has a broad practice that encompasses maintenance disputes, sale and purchase and leasing disputes, while Edward Cumming KC specialises in aircraft maintenance cases, with further experience in aviation regulation. Bajul Shah acted for the Qatar Airlines in its dispute with Airbus concerning peeling paint of A350 aircraft, with the airline grounding several of the type and alleging that this constituted a safety issue, a claim which Airbus denied. He also handles insolvency matters and ownership disputes. Erin Hitchens was also instructed by Qatar Airlines in their dispute with Airbus and often appears in the Commercial Court regarding summary judgements and interim applications, with Tom Stewart Coats handling a growing commercial caseload in addition to acting for airlines facing EC261 claims.
Testimonials
‘Very good service from all clerks and Paul Horsfield – always responsive and alive to client concerns.’
‘A first class clerking team – Paul Horsfield, James Ladbrook and Perry Brown are all reliable and friendly, able to find solutions and work with instructing solicitors to serve the clients.’
‘Very good clerks, responsive and understanding of the pressures that solicitors are under. Paul Horsfield, Perry Brown and Tommie Drury all stand out.’
‘Paul Horsfield has done a really great job since taking over. He is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘The clerks I have dealt with at XXIV Old Buildings are professional and offer a first-rate service. They are responsive and extremely helpful to any request. In particular, I have dealt with James Ladbrook and Lyndon Tiller – both of whom are easy to work with, very efficient and more than happy to help.’
‘We have a long-standing relationship with XXIV Old Buildings and work well with a number of silks and juniors.’
‘Good aviation set.’
‘A go-to set for aviation disputes, with a wide range of excellent barristers at all levels.’