Hall Of Fame

Rising Stars

Transport in Portugal

Cuatrecasas

Cuatrecasas boasts a ‘deep knowledge’ of the aviation industry, complemented by its proficiency in corporate, commercial, competition, and regulatory affairs across the rail, motor, and maritime segments. Leading the aviation division, Luís Soares De Sousa excels in the establishment and licensing of charter air transport companies, cross-border leasing matters, aviation finance, and M&A transactions. Lourenço Vilhena De Freitas steers the road, rail, regulatory, and public law practices, offering expertise in concessions, privatisations, and related dispute resolution. Additionally, banking and finance partner Maria João Ricou takes the lead on project finance work.

Practice head(s):

Luís Soares de Sousa; Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas; Maria João Ricou


Testimonials

‘Luís Soares de Sousa is outstanding and the team knows a lot, great responses and quick feedback.’

‘They have deep knowledge of the industry and are market leaders. Great connections with the aviation authority.’

Key clients

White Airways


The Milestone Aviation Group (GE Capital Aviation Services)


Apollo Aviation Management Limited


Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance Limited


Transdev


CP – Comboios de Portugal


MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company


Metropolitano de Lisboa


Metro do Porto


Aercap Ireland Limited


Textron Financial Corporation


Westpac Banking Corporation


Willis Lease Finance Corporation


L3HARRIS Technologies


Flight Training Europe, S.L.,


Heybridge Property Developments Limited


EMEF – Empresa de Manutenção de Equipamento Ferroviário


Iridium Concessiones de Infraestructuras, S.A


CINTRA Concessiones de Infraestructuras, S.A


Auto-Estradas do Atlântico


Fergrupo (Comsa Group)


Cross Ocean Partners


Deutsche Bank


JP Morgan


Euroscut Açores


Beacon Rail Finance


Westpac Banking Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Etihad Aviation Group on the incorporation of its Portuguese branch.
  • Advised Rhenus Beteiligungen International GmbH on the acquisition of 49.9% stake in Grupo Totalmédia, an Iberian logistics and sales group, for €98m.
  • Advised Group Transdev on international public tenders and the implementation of awarded passenger transport service contracts.

DLA Piper ABBC

DLA Piper ABBC provides a variety of legal services to clients operating in the aviation sector, encompassing aviation finance, acquisitions, maintenance agreements and registrations. Regulatory compliance and litigation are other areas of activity for the department, which is steered by António Moura Portugal, a reference for prominent airlines operating in Portugal. The team was strengthened by the arrival of Stéphanie Sá Silva from TAP Air Portugal in September 2022, a 'committed and competent' practitioner who brings significant aviation industry insights. Catarina Portela Morais is especially active in litigation, showcasing particular strength in passenger claims, while Inês Teixeira and Francisco Alves Dias advise on aviation regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

António Moura Portugal


Other key lawyers:

Stéphanie Sá Silva; Catarina Portela Morais; Inês Teixeira; Francisco Alves Dias


Testimonials

‘We chose DLA due to its ability to respond quickly and the successful combination of competition and administrative law components.’

‘Inês Teixeira and António Moura Portugal are both extremely communicative, well-informed and proactive practitioners who understand the business needs of clients.’

‘Stephanie Sá Silva is without a doubt one of the best lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with. Very committed and competent, she gives the client confidence in the proposed solution.’

‘Excellent in terms of knowledge, response, and advice. A very professional, honest, accurate firm with highly professional people.’

‘All lawyers with whom I have worked or been in contact with have been very professional and all exceeded my expectations in all matters I have requested for advice or action.’

‘The DLA team are experts in the aviation field. They have the right contacts to get quick answers and provide very fast responses to our regulatory and other questions. They help us determine workable solutions to complex business issues and understand our business very well.’

‘The firm has two of the greatest aviation specialists, António Moura Portugal and Stéphanie Sá Silva. It offers a good quality to price ratio.’

‘People are helpful and attentive towards their clients/partners, ensuring that there is mutual trust.’

Key clients

Air France / KLM


Lufthansa


NetJets


Turkish Airlines


EasyJet


Emirates


Wizz Air


Swissport


British Airways


TAP Portugal


Work highlights


  • Represented TAP, easyJet, BA, jet2, Ryanair, and A4E in a complaint to the EU Commission concerning COVID certificate control infringements affecting airlines in Portugal.
  • Assisting EasyJet in passenger claims, ANAC infringement procedures, regulatory and competition matters.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is home to a team of industry specialists well placed to advise on a wide range of mandates within the aviation, shipping, and wider transport sectors. With a strong track record in financing, insurance, tax, and litigation matters, the group is especially noted for its proficiency in ship finance, registrations and leasing contracts. The practice is under the joint leadership of four partners: Segismundo Pinto Basto, the main point of contact for transactions in the aviation segment; Manuel de Freitas Pita, who focuses on international agreements and other matters related to the International Shipping Registry of Madeira; Claudia Santos Cruz, an authority on ship finance and arrest, who is trusted by major banks, shipowners, and charterers; and Bruno Xavier de Pina, who possesses in-depth knowledge Angola’s legal landscape.

Practice head(s):

Segismundo Pinto Basto; Bruno Xavier Pina; Manuel Freitas Pita; Claudia Santos Cruz


Other key lawyers:

João Tiago Silveira


Abreu Advogados

Clients in the aviation, maritime, and wider transport industries routinely turn to Abreu Advogados for assistance in a wide range of matters, from corporate and financing transactions, to trade and environmental issues. The ‘prompt and capable’ team is co-led by dispute resolution specialist Guilherme Santos Silva, Pedro Alves Da Silva, and Nuno Luís Sapateiro. Alves da Silva’s strength lies in M&A, corporate law, and commercial contracts, while Luís Sapateiro possesses over 15 years' experience of acting for insurance companies and airlines aviation in major domestic and international transactions.

Practice head(s):

Guilherme Santos Silva; Pedro Alves da Silva; Nuno Luís Sapateiro


Other key lawyers:

Manuel de Andrade Neves; Manuel Santos Vitor


Testimonials

‘The team is committed to understanding the client’s needs and concerns.’

‘Guilherme Santos Silva delivered promptly, gave good advice, and had good local knowledge and familiarity with the market.’

‘The team is very prompt and capable in responding to requests.’

‘Nuno Luís Sapateiro is knowledgeable of the aviation industry, aware of operators’ constraints and focused on the final result.’

Key clients

Alsa/NEXCONTINENTAL


Aviation Capital Group


Embraer Portugal., S.A.


Expeditors Portugal Transitários, Lda. (Expeditors Washington Inc)


Loomis


National Union Of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel


Nordic Aviation Leasing Nine Pte Ltd


Ogma – Indústria Aeronáutica De Portugal, S.A.


Patentes Talgo Slu


Prio Group


Tokyo Gas


Yildirim Group


PLMJ

PLMJ boasts substantial expertise in aviation, shipping and road-related matters, servicing a diverse client roster featuring airlines, financiers, aircraft producers, and sovereign entities. Diogo Perestrelo is adept in transport-related transactions - including M&A and private equity deals in the aviation segment - and road concessions. Perestrelo heads the transport department alongside Pedro Lomba, who possesses notable expertise in transport and urban mobility law, especially concerning roads and railways. Saul Fonseca brings ‘great knowledge of the aviation sector’, ensuring carriers and other stakeholders meet regulatory standards.

Practice head(s):

Diogo Perestrelo; Pedro Lomba


Other key lawyers:

Saul Fonseca; Pedro Rosa


Testimonials

‘The firm is very reliable. The legal advice they provide is solid, and tailored to the clients’ needs. ’

‘Team of great technical and personal quality in what “legal aviation” refers to. They do serious and very competent work.’

‘Saul Fonseca has great knowledge of the aviation sector. I highlight the following qualities: seriousness, assertiveness, punctuality and efficiency.’

Key clients

TAP Air Portugal


Ryanair


World2Fly


Aer Rianta International (ARI)


State of Cape Verde


Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras


NAV Portugal


Cateringpor


Groundlink Handling III


Crewlink Ireland


FlixBus


Glovo


FreeNow


FlixMobility


CCI International, Lda.


Tekever


Embraer


Skyshare


Work highlights


  • Advised the State of Cape Verde on acquiring its first military aircraft, a King Air 360 ER, for transport, MEDEVAC, and search and rescue missions.
  • Represented TAP in administrative offence cases before multiple Portuguese authorities including the Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), the National Communications Authority (ANACOM), the Inspectorate-General of Agriculture, the Sea, the Environment and Spatial Planning (IGAMAOT), and the Data Protection Authority (CNPD).
  • Advised the consortium of Gabriel A.S. Couto S.A., M. Couto Alves S.A., and Aldesa Construcciones, S.A. on the contractual assignment to FCC Construccion, S.A. and Contratas y Ventas, S.A.U. for the West Line railway modernisation works.

Raposo Bernardo

Raposo Bernardo attracts regular instructions from cruise, aviation, and shipping players, notably on related financing and insurance matters. Joana Andrade Correia, who oversees the transport practice, excels in corporate restructurings and M&A, and is also skilled in the financing of railway and airport infrastructure projects. Showcasing extensive experience in the leasing and purchase of aircraft, Júlio Martins Júnior is regularly sought out by airlines and aircraft financiers.

Practice head(s):

Joana Andrade Correia


Other key lawyers:

Júlio Martins Júnior


Testimonials

‘We consider Raposo Bernardo’s services in these areas of aeronautical and aviation law to be of extraordinary quality. They are specialists in transport and aviation, in particular, covering all branches of aviation.’

‘Joana Andrade Correia and Júnio Martins Júnior are both excellent. Joana Andrade Correia has full theoretical and practical knowledge of the aviation sector. Júlio Martins Júnior reveals great intelligence, dedication, intellectual capacity, total availability, with a great collaborative attitude towards resolving issues.’

Their know-how in aviation law is unparalleled.’

‘Joana Andrade Correia’s ability to work and availability is remarkable; she is very pragmatic. Júlio Martins Júnior knows the world of aviation in a profound way, he is very skilled at applying the law and all international air regulations.’

‘With a splendid and unparalleled quality of service, Raposo Bernardo’s capabilities include its unique and world-class know-how in the area of ​​cruise maritime, the extreme professionalism of all the department’s lawyers, the strong legal preparation of lawyers.’

‘Joana Andrade Correia has extraordinary legal knowledge of cruise maritime law, absolute familiarity with our sector, mastery of our specific language, and contacts in the cruise market.’

SRS Legal

Primarily focused on the rail, road and maritime industries, SRS Legal's transport department is a popular destination for advice on financing and licensing matters, procurement, dispute resolution and regulatory issues. Department leader José Luís Moreira da Silva advises public and private entities on critical transport projects, concessions, and related disputes. Alexandre Roque draws on his public law background to assist transport sector clients with public procurement and administrative litigation.

Practice head(s):

José Luís Moreira da Silva


Other key lawyers:

Alexandre Roque


Testimonials

‘I highlight the speed of response and the precision of the solution presented to the company. Essential legal advice in the area of ​​port concessions and maritime transport.’

Key clients

Lisbon Port Authority


Setúbal and Sesimbra Port Authority


Sines Port Authority


Grupo Sousa


European Mar


EISAP – European International Shipowners Association of Portugal


TRANSTEJO, SA


SOFLUSA, SA


China Classification Society London Co., Ltd


A4Shipping


Verein Hanseatischer Transportversicherer e.V.


Thales / GTSPT


VIAPORTO


COMSA / GMF


Nex Continental Holdings, S.L. / ALSA


Work highlights


  • Advised EISAP, the association of Shipowners within the offshore maritime register in Madeira, on obtaining the possibility to have armoured guards onboard their ships, considering the hazard to security on some strategic points in the sea.
  • Advised the Spanish transport company ALSA on a bid for the concession of public road passenger transport service in the Autonomous Region of Madeira and in several the Porto, Aveiro and Viseu regions.
  • Advised a consortium comprised of the Portuguese subsidiary of the French Thales Portugal, SA (today GTSPT) and the Chinese CRRC Tangshan, Co., Ltd, on the supply to Metro de Lisboa of a communications-based train control signalling system and rolling stock.

VdA

Bringing together expertise in project finance, regulatory issues, PPP and dispute resolution, VdA offers a comprehensive service offering to clients operating in the shipping, aviation, rail and road sectors. At the helm of the practice, Paulo de Barros Baptista focuses on infrastructure and mobility matters, playing a key role in transactions involving the road segment. Specialised in public law, Catarina Pinto Correia is noted for her expertise in procurement, PPPs and concessions in the transport sector. José Miguel Oliveira leverages deep maritime industry expertise, particularly in African markets, to assist shipowners, brokers, and operators with various wet and dry shipping matters.

Practice head(s):

Paulo Barros Baptista


Other key lawyers:

Catarina Pinto Correia; José Miguel Oliveira; Pedro Simões Coelho


Testimonials

‘VdA stands out for its footprint in many of the Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions in Africa. VdA was instrumental in ensuring our Angola JV setup was in compliance with local law.’

‘The people we work with are excellent professionals and deeply knowledgeable oft all matters related to maritime transport.’

‘The team has experience in maritime transport and in-depth knowledge of national and international legislation that applies to this sector.’

‘José Miguel Oliveira is an asset to the maritime transport sector as an expert in merchant marine legislation.’

Key clients

ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA


Brisa Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A.


Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, S.A.


Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.


Ferrovial Agroman, S.A. and ACA – Alberto Couto Alves S.A.


Monjasa DMCC


SATA Air Açores, S.A. and Azores Regional Government


Scotturb – Transportes Urbanos. Lda.


Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd.


TSL – Tejo Shipping Lines, Lda


STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto, S.A.


Work highlights


  • Advised Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, S.A and Brisa – Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A. on the refinancing and restructuring of the debt of Brisal.
  • Assisted the Portuguese Government in the preparation of a new legal and regulatory framework implementing and promoting Technological Free Zones (“ZLTs” – Zonas Livres Tecnológicas) in Portugal.
  • Assisted Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. in a competitive procedure for the supply of 117 trains, provision of associated maintenance services, and design and construction of a maintenance workshop.

Albuquerque & Almeida

Singled out for its 'extensive experience in maritime, ports and logistics', Albuquerque & Almeida is often engaged by shipping operators and container carriers seeking assistance in concessions, public procurement, and contractual matters. Alexandre De Albuquerque, who focuses on public law, and João Salvador, who provides advice on employment and corporate law issues, jointly lead the department.

Practice head(s):

Alexandre de Albuquerque; João Salvador


Testimonials

‘Alexandre de Albuquerque and the team’s qualities include high professionalism, great knowledge of the client and their business, as well as extensive experience in maritime, ports and logistics.’

Key clients

ETE Group


ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A.


Setefrete Group


Transinsular – Transportes Marítimos Insulares SA


CV Interilhas


Work highlights


  • Assisting ETE Group in matters involving harbour concession agreements and forwarding agent relations.
  • Advising Setefrete Group on matters related to concession agreements and forwarding agent relations.
  • Assisting ETE Group in the expansion of its operations in Colombia.

APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L.

With a keen focus on the aviation industry, APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L.'s transport group serves a clientele that includes insurers, airlines, and airport operators. Aircraft financing, liability claims and insurance disputes are core areas of expertise for the department, which is led by João Marques De Almeida. José Alves Pereira possesses a wealth of experience in contentious and non-contentious aviation matters.

Practice head(s):

João Marques de Almeida


Other key lawyers:

José Alves Pereira


Testimonials

‘Efficient, excellent, professional, responsive, and cost-effective.’

‘João Pedro Alves Pereira is knowledgeable, professional, responsive, knows the market, and gives no-nonsense advice.’

Key clients

Aerovista


Aegean Airlines


AIG Europe


Air Charter Service


Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE


Aircinks Solutions (CMAC Group)


ANA Aeroportos


AXA France/XL Insurance


AON Corporation


Arik Air


Arkefly (TUI Airlines)


Bombardier Aerospace Corporation


BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions Suisse S.A. (former Fortis Lease)


Embraer, SA


Eisele Flugdienst GmbH


Fidelidade-Mundial (Império Bonança)


FlyEgipt


Global Aerospace


Heliportugal


Honeywell Aerospace


HW Clemens, GmbH


Korean Air


Kühne+Nagel (group of companies)


L3Harris Technologies, Inc.


LAM – Mozambican Airlines (Confidential)


La Réunion Aérienne


Landmark Aviation


OGMA-Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, SA


ORIONWAY Sàrl


Pratt & Whitney Canada


Sky Aviation Leasing


Swedish Skydiving Federation


Tamar Nazareth Trading Ltd


The Aviation Factory


UAS International Trip Support


Work highlights


  • Assisted Embraer S.A. and its subsidiary OGMA with insurance claims after a fire damaged a maintenance facility and Rolls-Royce aircraft engines.
  • Assisted ANA Aeroportos and Allianz France in a dispute with an airline regarding an Airbus A330-223 and Boeing 767-323ER collision during ground handling.
  • Advised and represented Aegean Airlines on slot and COVID-19 screening infringements, passenger claims, and regulatory issues for flights to and from Portuguese airports.

Miranda & Associados

Miranda & Associados provides expert legal guidance to aviation sector clients, including financiers, insurers, air carriers and manufacturers, who regularly instruct the team in aircraft financing, leasing, registration, transactional and contentious matters. Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro heads up the aviation practice, showcasing experience in asset-based lending deals involving Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Bruno Sampaio Santos is another name to note for transactions within the civil aviation sector. Both practitioners 'are insightful and helpful in sorting through complex issues in aviation matters in Portugal'.

Practice head(s):

Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro


Other key lawyers:

Bruno Sampaio Santos


Testimonials

‘The team works well together and (even dealing with potential language barriers) effectively communicated relevant issues under Portuguese law and provided suggested solutions. They are prompt and efficient in responding and providing deliverables, while also offering pragmatic advice. Given the opportunity, would definitely work with them again.’

‘Mafalda Oliveira Moneiro and Bruno Sampaio Santos are insightful and helpful in sorting through complex issues in aviation matters in Portugal. Individually and as a team, they provide great service.’

Sérvulo & Associados

Best known for its strong public law credentials, Sérvulo & Associados excels in guiding clients through the intricacies of large-scale public projects, from national transport networks to essential public-sector facilities. The department is under the leadership of Mark Kirkby, whose expertise lies in advising private and public entities on concessions and PPPs in the road and rail segments. Ana Luísa Guimarães left the firm in February 2024.

Practice head(s):

Mark Kirkby


Key clients

European Commission – DG MOVE


TML – Metropolitan Transports of Lisbon


Metropolitan Area of Oporto (AMP)


Intermunicipal Community of Região de Aveiro (CIM Região de Aveiro)


Intermunicipal Community of Terras de Trás-os-Montes (CIM TTM)


Municipality of Leiria


Intermunicipal Community of Coimbra Region (CIM Região de Coimbra)


Intermunicipal Community of Douro (CIM Douro)


Intermunicipal Community of Viseu Dão Lafões (CIM Viseu Dão Lafões)


AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MADEIRA – Regional Directorate of Economy and Land Transports


Barraqueiro


Metropolitano de Lisboa, E.P.E.


Metro do Porto


Work highlights


  • Advised the joint venture of Tetra Tech International Development Sp. z o.o and TISPT on an impact assessment support study for the potential revision of the Air Services Regulation by the European Commission (DG MOVE).
  • Advised a consortium of private investors led by Barraqueiro on Project Magellan, the proposal for a new airport in Santarém.
  • Advised Metropolitano de Lisboa E.P.E. on the expansion of Lisbon’s underground, preparing and launching procurement for six work contracts and inspections.