Norton Rose Fulbright represents leading airlines, lessors, and financial institutions in multi-jurisdictional and often precedent-setting aviation disputes. The practice handles a diverse portfolio of claims, including insurance recoveries, manufacturing delays, delay compensation claims, and aircraft lease terminations. The team also supports clients in commercial matters including fleet acquisitions, lease negotiations, insolvency-related restructuring, and regulatory compliance. The practice is headed by Robin Springthorpe and Charlotte Winter, who are frequently involved in high-profile aviation litigation and arbitration. Patrick Farrell is exceptionally capable in handling cross-border asset repossessions, while Zayba Drabu is a key contact on asset finance-related disputes. Annabelle Wheeler advises airlines on a variety of commercial and regulatory matters. The team is supported by Serene Allen and Lucy Frost, who handle contentious contractual issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Outstanding support, industry knowledge and resilience in negotiations.’
‘Dan Cowdy is really responsive, dedicated and has great industry know-how - just gets things done!’
‘The expeditious and methodical response with a sense of keen interest to handle an issue is a unique experience with Norton Rose Fulbright.'
- 'A very strong team with extensive specialist expertise in the aviation sector. It benefits from real strength in depth. The team provides a first class service to its clients and great solutions for very difficult problems.'
‘Robin Springthorpe's problem-solving ability while consuming less time is rich and makes him stand out.’
'Charlotte Winter is a brilliant partner, a great lateral thinker who is able to identify effective strategic and practical solutions for her clients.'
Key clients
- 777 Partners
- Air Canada
- AirTanker Limited/AirTanker Services Limited
- Atoz Aviation Finance S.à r.l.
- British Airways
- CargoLogicAir
- Carnival
- Delta Air Lines, Inc
- DHL
- DS Aviation
- easyJet plc
- Etihad Airways
Work highlights
Advising Saudia on two concurrent Commercial Court disputes with IAFC, which leased to Saudia a fleet of 50 aircraft.
Advising FW Aviation (Holdings) Limited in its high-value, precedent-setting Commercial Court claim against VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company.
Acting as special aviation counsel to SAS on its $1.2bn Exit Financing from Chapter 11.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Robin Springthorpe
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Charlotte Winter
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Annabelle Wheeler
Practice head
Robin Springthorpe; Charlotte Winter
Other key lawyers
Patrick Farrell; Annabelle Wheeler; Zayba Drabu; Serene Allen; Lucy Frost