Steven Decesare leads the 'knowledgeable and responsive' team at Camilleri Preziosi, which has 'outstanding knowledge of the aviation sector'. The group has an impressive track record in assisting financial institutions with all aviation finance matters, which form a key pillar of Malcolm Falzon's practice. The department is also adept at assisting airlines and helicopter operators with aircraft acquisitions and leasing and operational matters. Ron Galea Cavallazzi is well versed in handling regulatory issues.
Aviation in Malta
Camilleri Preziosi
Practice head(s):
Steven Decesare
Other key lawyers:
Malcolm Falzon; Ron Galea Cavallazzi
Testimonials
‘ Outstanding knowledge of aviation sector. Steve Decesare provides pragmatic and commercial advice and a very swift response.’
‘I have worked with Camilleri Preziosi on numerous transactions over the past number of years. I have always found the team to be extremely hard working and diligent with their work product. I would not hesitate recommending the team to any lawyer looking for a Maltese law perspective on any aviation project that they need assistance with.’
‘Steve Decesare is a fantastic lawyer who goes above and beyond what is required from local counsel. Steve is approachable and puts my mind at ease when I have the pleasure of working with him.’
‘Camilleri Preziosi : team is reactive, skilled, easy to work with. Professional set up, full and complete services within time frames.’
‘A knowledgeable and responsive team who tailor their advice to the commercial drivers of the clients. User friendly and cost efficient.’
Key clients
Malta International Airport
Air Malta plc
Ganado Advocates
Ganado Advocates‘ practice garners praise from clients for its ‘unsurpassed knowledge of the Maltese aviation sector‘. The ‘very experienced‘ team stands out for its ‘deep knowledge of the Maltese legal and regulatory environment‘ pertaining to aviation matters. Daniel Aquilina has extensive experience in handling aircraft registrations, the enforcement of aircraft mortgages, and aircraft acquisition and leasing mandates. Matthew Xerri is ‘an excellent lawyer who has fostered strong business relationships in the industry‘.
Testimonials
‘Ganado Advocates communicates efficiently and effectively in giving clear legal advice that is build on a strong foundational understanding of the law and their clients. They effectively retain and use knowledge of their clients and the industry to provide targeted and commercially driven advice. ’
‘Matthew Xerri is an excellent lawyer who has fostered strong business relationships in the industry which is immeasurable in obtaining quick results for customers. ’
‘In my view, the Ganado Aviation team’s core strength is its knowledge of and the relationship it maintains with the Maltese aviation authorities. They have been able to leverage this relationship to ensure that closings have taken place as scheduled notwithstanding last minute roadblocks. This has lead to seamless interactions with aviation authorities in Malta, even in circumstances which would otherwise potentially delay closings. ’
Mamo TCV Advocates
Mamo TCV Advocates' broad aviation practice fields expertise in asset finance, handling passenger and liability claims and the sale and purchase of aircraft, to name a few key areas of activity. Practice co-head Nicholas Valenzia specialises in asset management and finance issues, and is recognised for his experience in advising international credit institutions on the coordination of aircraft repossession procedures. Practice co-head Joseph Camilleri is the key name for contentious work. Senior associate Joshua Chircop is singled out for his contributions.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Valenzia; Joseph Camilleri
Other key lawyers:
Joshua Chircop
Testimonials
‘Very warm and welcoming, yet professional.’
‘Impressed with the knowledge of the team, friendly environment and how easy is to work with them.’
‘Nicholas Valenzia and Joshua Chircop have always replied with very professional answers.’
‘Nicholas Valenzia and Joshua Chircop remain consistently engaged and responsive.’
‘Noted for the speed, efficiency and knowledge that the matter was dealt with. The team was always on time and professional.’
Fenech & Fenech Advocates
Fenech & Fenech Advocates' practice is well known for its solid track record in handling aircraft registration, the sale and purchase of aircraft, and aircraft mortgage matters, to name a few areas, and the team is equally strong in advising on licensing and regulatory matters in the aviation sector. Department head Joseph Ghio is 'very knowledgeable, calm and well connected in the Malta aviation scene'.
Practice head(s):
Joseph Ghio
Testimonials
‘The incredible level of service, flexibility and dedication to meet the needs and timeframe of the client. Aviation is a dynamic business, and having the ready support of Fenech & Fenech has enabled our business success.’
‘Joe Ghio is the lead aviation law expert, and he stands head and shoulders above the competitors. His breadth of knowledge, and understanding of using SPC/SVCs as a tool for aircraft ownership and self-leasing is exceptional. H also handles complex issues in a timely manner. ’
‘Joe Ghio is very knowledgeable, calm and well connected in the Malta aviation scene.’
‘The team is extremely knowledgeable and pragmatic.’
‘Joseph Ghio – responsive and commercial.’
Key clients
Investec Bank Limited
ACIA Aero Leasing
Work highlights
- Representing Investec Bank Limited as lender, agent and security trustee in a matter relating to the refinancing of existing facilities in connection with a fleet of 14 ATR aircraft.
Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates
Corporate partner Charlene Mifsud heads up the aviation practice at Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates
. The 'very knowledgeable and helpful' team includes the 'exceptional' associate Susanna Grech Deguara, who garners praise for her 'professional knowledge' in the aviation sector and is well versed in advising on AOL applications and operational matters under Maltese regulations.
Practice head(s):
Charlene Mifsud
Other key lawyers:
Susanna Grech Deguara
Testimonials
‘The team have provided us with general aviation advice. They have a very good transport team which helped us well. As a firm, we could see that they embrace technology very much, and this has made the process easier and more efficient for us.’
‘Susanna Grech Deguara has been exceptional in her help, both in the shipping and aviation issues we had. Together with her professional knowledge, she has been working in the field for some time and therefore knows the ins and outs of the industry. ’
‘Very knowledgeable and helpful team. Partner attention is constant. Assistance on all aspects including VAT and tax.’
‘Susanna – very knowledgeable and practical. Charlene – very down to earth and helpful – always makes herself available.’
‘The level of professionalism and knowledge of the lawyers at Chetcuti Cauchi – together with being very knowledgeable and valuable, they have a big social heart. I follow the number of initiatives they do to give back to society. For me as a client, this is very important. ’
‘I have worked with partner Charlene Mifsud and associate Susanna Grech Deguara. Both have been great and have been very helpful. They are fair and just and have always guided me well. It was a breath of fresh air to meet competent lawyers with a heart who always do their best to provide an excellent service. Highly recommended! ’
Key clients
Lifejet
Sapia Aviation
Luxwing
Celier
Work highlights
- Assisting a group of investors with AOC and AOL applications in Malta.
Deguara Farrugia Advocates
Deguara Farrugia Advocates' 'highly dedicated' team is well known for advising on aircraft registration, aircraft financing and AOC applications. Corporate expert Maria Paloma Deguara and senior associate Filippo Arcaleni are the key practitioners.
Practice head(s):
Maria Paloma Deguara; Filippo Arcaleni
Testimonials
‘Highly dedicated team, well-experienced in their niche of Business Aviation and a very hands-on approach.’
‘The people at the firm are what makes this firm unique. They were flexible in dealing with those of us in other time-zones and were hugely helpful in the planning and execution of the sale of an aircraft. They understood the dynamics of a complicated transaction.’
‘I worked closely with Filippo Arcaleni. He was both knowledgeable and able to clearly communicate how Malta law applies to our transaction. The practice provided useful suggestions about how to proceed when issues arose.’
Key clients
Luxwing
Aviation Services S.P.A.
Insignia Jets Limited
Delta Aerotaxi
Work highlights
- Advised an international aircraft lessor/owner on the deregistration of an aircraft under the Maltese flag.
- Advised Malta-based aviation company Luxwing Ltd on establishing its commercial operations.
- Assisted Aviation Services Limited with setting up operations at Malta’s airport.
GVZH Advocates
GVZH Advocates' aviation practice regularly handles aircraft financing, AOC applications, aircraft registration, aircraft leasing and the importation of aircraft into Malta. Michael Grech and associate Ann Bugeja are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Michael Grech; Ann Bugeja
Key clients
Galistair Trading Limited
Buffalo Wings Aviation LLC
Titan Airways Malta Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted Galistair Trading Limited with obtaining an AOC in Malta.
- Assisted Buffalo Wings Aviation LLC with an aircraft acquisition.
- Advised Titan Airways Malta Limited on tax matters.