A leader in the aviation sector, Cuatrecasas is a popular choice for major domestic and international clients seeking assistance in aviation finance, M&A, regulatory matters and litigation. The road, cargo and rail segments are other areas of notable strength for the group. Aviation expert Luís Soares De Sousa leads on cross-border leasing transactions, M&A, regulatory matters and financings, and Maria João Ricou, who heads the banking and finance and capital markets teams, is a key contact for project finance mandates. Lourenço Vilhena De Freitas focuses on public law matters, including concessions, privatisations and administrative proceedings.
Transport in Portugal
Cuatrecasas
Practice head(s):
Luís Soares de Sousa; Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas; Maria João Ricou
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 White Airways on aircraft management agreements.
- Acted for Transdev Group in the international public tender for the procurement of the road passenger transport service in the Porto metropolitan area.
- Advising CP – Comboios de Portugal on two public procurement proceedings, including the acquisition of 22 traction units, and 117 traction units for urban and regional service.
DLA Piper ABBC
‘With in-depth knowledge of the aviation industry’, DLA Piper ABBC is a first port of call for many clients for aviation matters in Portugal. Instructed by leading airlines and aerospace groups, the practice covers the gamut of aviation work, including lease contracts, acquisition finance, aircraft registration, tax matters and litigation. António Moura Portugal leads the team and is a longstanding advisor for the Association of Airlines in Portugal and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Inês Teixeira was made partner in May 2022 and focuses on regulatory matters. Senior associate Catarina Portela Morais leads on litigation work.
Practice head(s):
António Moura Portugal
Other key lawyers:
Ines Teixeira; Catarina Portela Morais; Francisco Alves Dias; Stéphanie Sá Silva
Testimonials
‘Depth of sector insight. Excellent anticipation of future challenges. Global coverage. Responsiveness. Innovative legal checklist tools. Strong relationships and practical advice.’
‘Antonio Portugal and Ines Teixeira think outside the box, are extremely knowledgeable and responsive and understand exactly what the needs of our business are.’
‘António Moura Portugal has extensive knowledge of aviation law and the transport sector. Francisco Alves Dias has extensive knowledge of aviation law in various jurisdictions.’
‘DLA’s transport team is the most specialised in the Portuguese market. It has competent lawyers with in-depth knowledge of the aviation industry.’
‘António Moura Portugal has a deep knowledge of the aviation industry, which allows him to provide a highly specialised service. Stéphanie Sá Silva is a young lawyer with a brilliant background in M&A and Aviation. Very good technically, very focused, responsible and proactive.’
Key clients
Air France
KLM
Lufthansa
NetJets
Turkish Airlines
EasyJet
Emirates
Wizz Air
Swissport
British Airways
TAP Portugal
Work highlights
- Represented a pool of airlines, including TAP, easyJet, BA, jet2, Ryanair and A4E, in a complaint to the EU Commission related to infringements of Covid certificate controls by airlines in Portugal.
- Represented Swissport in the potential acquisition of Portuguese handler Groundforce.
- Assisted easyJet in the successful defence of passenger claims and infringement procedures launched by ANAC, as well as regulatory and competition matters.
Abreu Advogados
Abreu Advogados‘ transport team covers a wide range of matters, spanning M&A, corporate finance, tax, competition law, dispute resolution and public law. With extensive experience advising on sales, seizures and debt enforcement proceedings in the shipping and aviation sectors, Guilherme Santos Silva co-heads the practice alongside Pedro Alves Da Silva and Nuno Luís Sapateiro. Alves da Silva focuses on M&A and contracts, while Sapateiro has a strong background in the insurance and aviation sectors.
Practice head(s):
Guilherme Santos Silva; Pedro Alves da Silva; Nuno Luís Sapateiro
Testimonials
‘Abreu usually represents the interests of its clients and is very loyal and collaborative.’
‘Nuno Sapateiro is a lawyer with extensive experience. He is results oriented and focused on his client’s business. Understands constraints and facilitates solutions.’
Key clients
LOOMIS
Tokyo Gas
Alsa
NEXCONTINENTAL
Patentes Talgo SLU
Yildirim Group
National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel
Embraer Portugal., S.A.
Ogma – Indústria Aeronáutica De Portugal, S.A.
Expeditors Portugal Transitários, Lda. (Expeditors Washington Inc)
Prio Energy
National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel
Work highlights
- Advised Embraer on the transfer to Aernnova Aerospace of its factories in Évora, operated by Embraer Portugal Estruturas Metálicas and Embraer Portugal Estruturas em Compósitos.
- Assisted DILU and PRIO in the negotiation and drafting of two agreements with the Rodareas Group, holder of several gas stations in the north of Portugal.
- Advised Aviation Capital Group (ACG) on the financing transaction for two Airbus A321neo LR aircraft, which joined TAP’s fleet.
APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L.
Headed by Joao Marques De Almeida, the transport practice at APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L. is prominent in the aviation sector, where it boasts a proven track record in insurance and liability disputes as well as aircraft financing. Another key practitioner is José Alves Pereira, who is often instructed in high-profile aviation disputes.
Practice head(s):
João Marques de Almeida
Other key lawyers:
José Alves Pereira
Testimonials
‘Very responsive, very commercial and providing excellent advice. My go-to Portuguese law firm for aviation matters.’
‘João Marques de Almeida is extremely knowledgeable and offers clear and commercial advice.’
Key clients
Aerovista
Aegean Airlines
AIG Europe
Air Charter Service
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF)
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE
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)
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
The Aviation Factory
UAS International Trip Support
Work highlights
- Assisted Aircraft Engine Lease Finance in the lease termination, re-delivery and de-registration of an Airbus A330-223 aircraft and subsequent court dispute with the lessee.
- Acted for the Portuguese airport operator ANA Aeroportos and its international insurer, Allianz France, in a dispute with an international airline involving a collision.
- Acting for OGMA, Embraer’s local subsidiary for Maintenance, Repair and Overall – MRO, and its insurers in a dispute involving an aircraft accident immediately after heavy maintenance being performed.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados‘ transport team features experts from a wide range of practice areas, including financing, insurance, tax and dispute resolution. Its expertise in the registration of vessels and shipping mortgages stands out, and typical mandates include vessel financing, lease transactions and maritime contracts. A popular adviser for aviation companies, Segismundo Pinto Basto jointly leads the team with Bruno Xavier de Pina, who is recommended for cross-border matters, and ship finance and arrest expert Claudia Santos Cruz.
Practice head(s):
Segismundo Pinto Basto; Bruno Xavier Pina; Claudia Santos Cruz
Other key lawyers:
Manuel Freitas Pita
Testimonials
‘The firm provides prompt and to-the-point advice on the process of discharging and registering of ship mortgages.’
‘The firm offers advice on shipping transactions involving vessels registered.’
‘We worked Manuel Freitas Pita, who offers prompt and to-the-point advice.’
PLMJ
PLMJ is experienced in the aviation, shipping and road transportation sectors, where it advises on administrative proceedings, concessions, licence procedures, aviation financing and lease transactions. The practice’s leadership is split between Diogo Perestrelo, who is often sought after to advise on M&A and private equity transactions in the aviation sector, and public and regulatory law specialist Pedro Lomba.
Practice head(s):
Diogo Perestrelo; Pedro Lomba
Other key lawyers:
Saul Fonseca; Vasco Marques
Testimonials
‘Great professionals and great services.’
‘Aeronautical and transport sector expertise.’
‘I’d highlight Pedro Lomba.’
‘Vasco Marques and Saul Fonseca are recommended.’
Key clients
TAP Air Portugal
FlixBus
Kenya Airways
Ryanair
Ionity
SATA Air Açores
Ford
Mazda
Free Now
Glovo
FlixMobility
Work highlights
- Assisting European mobility platform Free Now, a joint venture of Daimler and BMW, on a regular basis.
- Advised global tech and transport operator FlixBus on its entry into the Portuguese mobility market.
- Assisted the State of Cabo Verde with public contracts, privatisation concession processes, and regulation matters of various infrastructure projects.
Raposo Bernardo
Major domestic and international cruise, cargo and airline companies turn to Raposo Bernardo for advice on lease transactions, financing mandates, insurance issues and regulatory matters. Joana Andrade Correia is particularly skilled in corporate restructurings, M&A and the acquisition of commercial aircraft. She co-leads the team with Júlio Martins Júnior, whose practice covers regulatory law, licensing procedures and financing operations.
Practice head(s):
Joana Andrade Correia; Júlio Martins Júnior
Testimonials
‘Raposo Bernardo’s transport department works with us in aeronautical and aviation law and we consider its services in this area of extraordinary quality. Its lawyers are true experts and the results they get for us are impressive.’
‘I highlight Joana Andrade Correia and Júnio Martins Júnior, who are excellent. Joana Andrade Correia has total mastery of aviation matters and the ability to listen and understand our requests and always give detailed and objective answers. Júlio Martins Júnior is another great specialist in aeronautical and aviation law, an area to which he has dedicated himself for many years, as a lawyer and scholar, and in which he has a phenomenal domain, being in my opinion one of the top few specialists in this area.’
‘Raposo Bernardo & Associados has incredible qualities. In addition to the superb quality of legal services, the treatment given to clients is 5 stars.’
‘Its lawyers know a lot about the aviation sector. They know everything there is to know about airport management, flight procedures, etc. They are true experts in aviation.’
‘Raposo Bernardo’s capabilities include its unique and world-class know-how in the area of cruise ships, the extreme professionalism of all its lawyers and the strong legal preparation of its lawyers. An elite team.’
‘Joana Andrade Correia is one of the best lawyers for cruises. She is meticulous, prudent, intelligent, cultured and very clear in her interventions.’
‘The Bernardo and Raposo team, especially Júlio Martins has been a fantastic partner for us. After years of working together on various projects, the firm’s commitment to the client is unparalleled.’
‘Deep knowledge of transport and aviation matters. The lawyers pay attention to all details and let nothing escape.’
Work highlights
- Advised a client on three major operations, including the acquisition of a vessel through a structured financing for a total amount of $450m.
- Acted for a client in all matters related to its operation in Portugal.
- Assisted a client in the leasing and acquisition of three aircraft for the amount of €135m.
SRS Legal
SRS Legal‘s transport team advises on M&A, finance, public procurement, licensing and dispute resolution matters related to rail, road and maritime transportation. Instructed by private and public sector clients, the team is led by José Luís Moreira da Silva, who specialises in PPPs, administrative litigation and privatisation matters. He is the co-founder and member of the board of directors of the Portuguese Shipping Association and works alongside public law expert and litigator Alexandre Roque.
Practice head(s):
José Luís Moreira da Silva
Other key lawyers:
Alexandre Roque
Testimonials
‘Very fast response, professionalism and competence of great importance and personalised follow-up of the legal cases raised and also detailed information on legal developments at national, European and global levels in the area of maritime transport and ports.’
‘I’d highlight José Luis Moreira da Silva, partner responsible for the company, with whom we have a very frequent contact.’
Key clients
Port Authority of Lisbon
Port Authority of Setúbal and Sesimbra
Port Authority of Sines
Grupo Sousa
European Mar
EISAP – European International Shipowners Association of Portugal
TRANSTEJO, SA
SOFLUSA, SA
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance, Limited
China Classification Society London Co., Ltd
A4Shipping
Verein Hanseatischer Transportversicherer e.V. (Association of Hanseatic Marine Underwriters)
CP – Caminhos de Ferro de Portugal
Thales
Viaporto
COMSA
Nex Continental Holdings, S.L.
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium comprised of Thales Portugal and CRRC Tangshan on procedures for the supply to Metro de Lisboa of a communications-based train control signalling system and 14 new carriages.
- Acted for ALSA, a subsidiary of Nex Continental Holdings, on the bidding for the concession of public road passenger transport service in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.
- Advised TRANSTEJO on the launching of a public tender for design, construction, supply and maintenance services of the onshore energy charging stations for its new fleet of 10 electric ships.
Sérvulo & Associados
Sérvulo & Associados is a popular choice for advice on concessions, public tenders and arbitration proceedings in the road, rail, sea and river transportation segments. The group is often involved in high-profile road and rail projects and acts for both private and public sector clients. Leading the practice is litigator and arbitrator Mark Kirkby, whose practice covers disputes related to public contracts. Ana Luísa Guimarães is no longer at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Mark Kirkby
Testimonials
‘Sérvulo e Associados demonstrated that it combines solid technical and theoretical knowledge of the subjects in question, with extensive practical experience and sensitivity to the specifics of our project.’
‘It clearly stands out from other law firms due to the legal quality of the service provided and the ability to present solutions tailored to the client’s particular needs.’
Key clients
European Commission – DG MOVE
Metropolitan Area of Lisbon (AML)
TML – Metropolitan Transports of Lisbon
Metropolitan Area of Oporto (AMP)
Intermunicipal community of Região de Coimbra (CIM Região de Coimbra)
Intermunicipal community of Região de Aveiro (CIM Região de Aveiro)
Intermunicipal community of Cávado (CIM Cávado)
Intermunicipal community of Alto Tâmega (CIM AT)
Intermunicipal community of Terras de Trás-os-Montes (CIM TTM)
Municipality of Portimão
Intermunicipal community of Região de Viseu Dão Lafões (CIM Viseu Dão Lafões)
Metropolitano de Lisboa, E.P.E.
Metro do Porto
TIP – Transportes Intermodais do Porto, A.C.E.
Work highlights
- Advised the European Commission as part of a joint venture on an impact assessment support study for a possible revision of the Air Services Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008).
- Acted for the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon, an association of 18 municipalities, in the public tender launched in February 2020 for public transport service contracts.
- Advised Metropolitano de Lisboa on the expansion process of its metropolitan line, including the preparation and launching of public procurement procedures.
VdA
At VdA, the transport team is a part of the firm’s wider infrastructure and mobility department and features multidisciplinary expertise across banking and finance, public law, competition law, IT and energy. Prominent in financings, PPPs, public tenders and disputes in the shipping, aviation, rail and road segments, the practice is led by Paulo de Barros Baptista, who is a go-to adviser for transport infrastructure companies. Other key lawyers in the team include public law expert Catarina Pinto Correia; Pedro Simões Coelho, who leads on finance and lease operations; and José Miguel Oliveira, who is seasoned in regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Paulo de Barros Baptista
Other key lawyers:
Catarina Pinto Correia; Pedro Simões Coelho; José Miguel Oliveira; Diego Bordeira Neves; Carlos Filipe Couto
Testimonials
‘The VdA team has good knowledge of the aviation industry and responds quickly.’
‘I enjoy working with Carlos Couto, Pedro Simões Coelho and Diego Bordeira Neves.’
Key clients
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA
Brisa Auto-Estradas de Portugal, SA
Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral, SA
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, SA
Ferrovial Agroman, SA
ACA – Alberto Couto Alves SA
Monjasa DMCC
Portuguese Government – Secretary of State for Digital
Transition, Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition
SATA Air Açores, SA
Azores Regional Government
Scoturb
Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd
STCP – Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto, SA
TSL – Tejo Shipping Lines, Lda
West China Cement Limited
Scotturb – Transportes Urbanos. Lda
Work highlights
- Advised Brisal – Auto-Estradas do Litoral and Brisa – Auto-Estradas de Portugal on the refinancing and restructuring of its debt.
- Assisted the Portuguese government in the preparation of a new legal and regulatory framework implementing and promoting Technological Free Zones in Portugal.
- Acted for Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles in a competitive procedure launched by CP – Comboios de Portugal, EPE for the supply of 117 trains and provision of associated maintenance services.
Albuquerque & Almeida
Jointly led by Alexandre De Albuquerque and João Salvador, Albuquerque & Almeida‘s transport practice is particularly active in advising shipping operators and container carriers on concessions, public procurement, contractual matters and the provision of public services. Albuquerque is a key contact for public law matters, while Salvador is seasoned in shipping finance.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre de Albuquerque; João Salvador
Other key lawyers:
Diana Silveira
Testimonials
‘This office has an extraordinary relationship with its clients due to the great knowledge it has in the transport and logistics sectors.’
‘Its extensive experience in concessions, public tenders and the preparation of contracts and other documentation make this team very reliable.’
‘Alexandre de Albuquerque and Diana Silveira have extraordinary qualities. Great availability and in-depth knowledge of the transport sector and related issues such as public tenders, concessions and contracts. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with the members of this team.’
Key clients
ETE Group
ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA
Setefrete Group
Transinsular – Transportes Marítimos Insulares SA
CV Interilhas
Work highlights
- Assisted ETE Group in matters involving harbour concession agreements and forwarding agent relations.
- Advised Setefrete Group on matters related to concession agreements and forwarding agent relations.
- Assisted ETE Group in expanding its operations in Colombia.
Miranda & Associados
Miranda & Associados offers air carriers, manufacturers, financial institutions, borrowers and insurers assistance with all matters related to the aviation sector. The team is especially active in Portuguese-speaking African countries and is well versed in aircraft financing and leasing, mortgage registration issues, aviation litigation and M&A. Asset-based and shipping finance specialist Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro, who heads the banking and finance team and Cabo Verde desk, oversees the practice. She is supported by managing associate Bruno Sampaio Santos and senior associate Filipa Morais de Almeida.
Practice head(s):
Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro
Other key lawyers:
Bruno Sampaio Santos; Filipa Morais de Almeida