Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Aviation in Malta

Camilleri Preziosi

Steven Decesare leads Camilleri Preziosi’s ‘knowledgeable and commercial’ and ‘extremely reactive’ aviation practice, where he is noted for his knowledge of aircraft finance and leasing. Working alongside him are Ron Galea Cavallazzi, who advises on regulatory matters, and finance partner Malcolm Falzon. The group regularly assists airlines, as well as business jet and helicopter owners and operators, on all matters relating to the aviation sector.

Practice head(s):

Steven Decesare


Other key lawyers:

Ron Galea Cavallazzi; Malcolm Falzon


Testimonials

‘The dedication, promptness and feedback at every hour of the day, combined with their availability, makes you feel like they are treating your issue or project as their own. Ron Galea Cavalazzi and Steve Decesare are recommended.’

‘Great practice in aviation law. The team is extremely reactive and cooperative.’

‘Availability, efficiency and adequate pricing are their key qualities.’

‘It’s a one-stop shop with experienced team members who work well together, and whilst they are experts in their field they clearly respect each other’s area of work and related expertise.’

‘Ron Galea Cavalazzi and Steven Decesare very professional, prompt and respectful. They are resourceful too.’

‘The team are very pleasant to deal with, and knowledgeable and commercial in their approach, with the ability to work to tight deadlines.’

Ganado Advocates

Praised by clients for its ‘unrivalled knowledge and expertise in aviation in Malta’, Ganado Advocates is highly regarded for its assistance with aircraft registration, aircraft transactions and financing. ‘Experienced and well known in the market‘, Daniel Aquilina is sought after by domestic and international banks to advise on aircraft acquisitions, the enforcement of aircraft mortgages and arrests in Malta. Matthew Xerri ‘is very knowledgeable about aircraft financing and provides a thorough and timely service‘.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Aquilina


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Xerri


Testimonials

‘Matthew Xerri is very knowledgeable about aircraft financing and provides a thorough and timely service.’

‘Unrivalled knowledge and expertise in aviation in Malta. Efficient and responsive service.’

‘The Ganado team are well known in the aviation industry and are actively involved in Malta’s aviation transactions. This is apparent when they are able to share industry insights and fully understand the aviation authorities and their inner workings.’

‘Matthew Xerri is a standout individual. It is obvious that aviation is his area of expertise and he knows the differences between each of the Maltese operators. He has great attention to detail and provides excellent customer service – infinitely contactable and willing to assist. Daniel Aquilina is the authority on aviation matters and always willing to assist.’

‘Without a doubt, the best in Malta.’

‘Matthew Xerri is superb – extremely knowledgeable and responsive.’

‘What makes Ganado Advocates unique is that they have vast know-how in this area of law, and they are well connected with the authorities and other third parties involved (in Malta as well as internationally), and hence, they are a great support to get deals closed involving Malta registered aircraft.’

‘We are working mainly with Matthew Xerri and Daniel Aquilina. Both are very responsive, straightforward, cost conscious and knowledgeable. It is a pleasure to work with them.’

Mamo TCV Advocates

Clients laud Mamo TCV Advocates as a ‘forward-looking firm that provides the aviation sector with pragmatic, cost-effective advice and services'Core areas of activity include asset finance, the sale and purchase of aircraft, and handling liability and passenger claims. Practice head Nicholas Valenzia focuses on financing, asset management and the coordination of aircraft repossession procedures on behalf of international credit institutions. Associate Joshua Chircop provides crucial support in aircraft transactions.

Practice head(s):

Nicholas Valenzia


Other key lawyers:

Joshua Chircop


Testimonials

‘Mamo TCV Advocates is a forward-looking firm that provides the aviation sector with pragmatic, cost-effective advice and services.’

‘The partner and associate network afforded to clients provides the mix of seniority and availability that is appreciated.’

‘Having worked closely with Joshua Chircop on several aircraft sale and purchase and financing transactions, I can attest to his responsiveness even to the eleventh-hour demands of closing and consistent diligence in his work.’

‘Mamo TCV Advocates provided us with invaluable (and creative) advice that was very effective in enabling us to enforce our rights.’

‘Long-established and reputable firm in Malta. Attention to detail and solid  knowledge of the aviation legal structures in Malta and beyond.’

‘I very much like working with Nicholas Valenzia and Joshua Chircop at Mamo. I have worked with them on a number of aviation matters over the years. I regard them as trusted advisers on the Maltese aspects of deals – they provide effective and clear advice and are responsive and approachable. Overall, a pleasure to work with.’

‘Joshua Chircop has been our go-to associate on a number of deals over the last few years and I find him to be responsive, and clear and detailed in his responses. I also find Joshua to be personable and nice to work with.’

Fenech & Fenech Advocates

Fenech & Fenech Advocates' aviation practice ‘brings together specialists with a wealth of legal and financial experience, including practice head Joseph Ghio, who acts as local counsel to both financiers and corporate firms in asset finance transactions. Asset finance specialist and managing partner Nicolai Vella Falzon is noted for his knowledge of the Cape Town Convention and the Aircraft Protocol relating to security interests in aircraft and related assets.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Ghio


Other key lawyers:

Nicolai Vella Falzon


Testimonials

‘The various specialist partners and the associates deliver cost-effective and timely work, a must for the challenges of today’s aviation market.’

‘Joseph Ghio and Nicolai Vella Falzon stand out, providing great guidance and support. They are backed by a great team of associates. I feel confident that I or my business clients will receive answers to any problems straight away.’

‘Fenech & Fenech Advocates is a highly respected professional practice which brings together specialists with a wealth of legal and financial experience in the services sector in support of the aviation industry.’

‘Their experience in the services sector, and particularly in aviation, is of great importance when dealing with sophisticated aviation projects.’

‘The Fenech team are user friendly and able to apply their obvious expertise in an efficient and effective manner so as to fit the particular circumstances of the case and add genuine value relative to costs, which is not always the case in this sector in the Malta market.’

‘Joseph Ghio is an excellent lawyer and is extremely accomplished at getting things done, while also being accessible and pleasant to work with.’

Deguara Farrugia Advocates

Deguara Farrugia Advocates has ‘great expertise in aviation‘, with a strong track record of supporting aviation companies in relation to the relocation and investment of their businesses in Malta. Corporate partner Maria Paloma Deguara advises on restructurings, M&A transactions, licensing and regulatory matters in the aviation sector. Senior associate Filippo Arcaleni stands out for his ‘specific aviation knowledge and very balanced approach‘.

Practice head(s):

Maria Paloma Deguara; Filippo Arcaleni


Testimonials

‘Really focused on the goal, proactive and always available. After a few minutes, you always get an answer back, even if it’s just a preliminary one.’

‘Great expertise in aviation. Good connection with the authorities.’

‘A diverse team that works hard for its clients.’

‘Individuals are responsive and are detail orientated, taking care to consider all special circumstances. They are always looking forward to propose new options.’

‘I think that the most appealing feature of this firm and its aviation department is the great blend of knowledge of legal practice in aviation matters, the professionalism of the lawyers, and their dynamic approach towards their cases. They are always available for a phone call or a meeting. We have been very happy with their services.’

‘Filippo Arcaleni has always been helpful and extremely prepared in aviation-related matters.’

‘Filippo Arcaleni is a young lawyer with specific aviation knowledge and a very balanced approach.’

‘Filippo Arcaleni has a unique approach and knowledge of aviation law.’

GVZH Advocates

At GVZH Advocates, senior associates Ann Bugeja and Aleandro Mifsud assist with day-to-day operational matters, AOC and AOL applications, ownership structures, VAT and the importation of aircraft into Malta.

Practice head(s):

Ann Bugeja


Other key lawyers:

Aleandro Mifsud