CMS is a full-service firm with broad expertise in air transport and airports and are noted for 'offering proactive, business-oriented solutions', advising private aircraft manufacturers, public authorities, airport infrastructure owners, ground handlers, and airlines. The firm has a distinct focus on European regulatory and competition law, with specific expertise in complex State aid matters concerning airport financing, commercial contracts with airlines, and compliance with EU regulations on ground handling, airport charges, and security. CMS also offers specific expertise in labour law within the air transport sector. Annabelle Lepièce heads the team and serves as the primary point of contact.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Rare expertise in airports and in commercial and contractual relationships with airlines.’
- ‘Ms Lepièce’s experience, network and skillset have enabled us to take a more assured, constructive approach to contractual relations with airlines.’
- ‘CMS provided insightful EU competition law advice on airport ground handling. They were responsive, precise, and met all deadlines.’
- ‘Annabelle Lepièce delivered highly focused EU competition law advice on airport ground handling. Her analysis was quick, clear, and directly relevant to our needs.’
- ‘CMS has unprecedented experience in the airline and airport sector, offering proactive, business-oriented solutions.’
- ‘Annabelle Lepièce brings long-standing experience in the aviation industry and helps create the right framework for sustainable, profitable development.’
Key clients
- Sowaer
- Croatian State
- La Rochelle Airport
- Cluj Airport
- Aéroports de Catalunya
- Belairbus
- Corvinus/ Budapest Airport
- Béziers Airport
- Avinor
- TEBEO (Blackwing)
- Lyon Airport
- Belgian State
Work highlights
Assistance to SOWAER in the compliance to State aid rules of a subsidy of EUR 13 million in favour of Sabena Engineering for the creation of an aircraft dismantle unit at Charleroi Airport.
Representation of Cluj Airport in a preliminary ruling before the Court of Justice of the EU in a case against the Romanian Competition Authority regarding the imbrication between the European Directive on ground handling services and competition law.
Assistance to the Croatian State for Zagreb Airport in the notification of the modification of the concession agreement as a non-aid to the European Commission.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Annabelle Lepièce