DLA Piper advises on high-value aviation disputes, insurance and reinsurance matters, regulatory compliance issues, and complex liability claims. The team also provides guidance on airport operations, sanctions, safety management, and technical contract breaches. Practice head Tony Payne is recognised for his strong expertise in regulatory and commercial aviation matters. Kathryn Ward and Camilla Bonfield represent airlines, operators, and product manufacturers in complex disputes, particularly those arising from air accidents and insolvency-related aircraft detentions. Sophie Brophy maintains a broad practice, covering both aviation regulatory and dispute resolution matters, while Mark Franklin focuses on aircraft disputes, airline franchising, and airport charges. Victoria Cooper handles aviation liability claims and insurance coverage issues, while the ‘excellent’ Eric Oehy advises on regulatory, commercial and contentious matters. Jessica Harmen recently departed the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team has technical excellence in all matters related to aviation and aerospace regulations. I consistently rely on and trust the team to advise and engage with regulators on the business's behalf, and they always deliver.’
- ‘My primary contacts are Tony Payne and Eric Oehy, and they are both excellent from a technical, commercial and responsiveness perspective.’
- 'Tony Payne is more than just external counsel, he is a trusted adviser.'
- 'The firm's work is reliable, accurate and commercial.'
- 'What sets Tony Payne and his team apart is that they are accessible, relaxed and human.'
Key clients
- Aegean Airlines S.A.
- Aerocare Aviation Services Limited
- Air Navigation Solutions Limited
- Aircamo Aviation Ltd
- AIRLEC Air Espace SAS
- Airline Capital Group Limited
- Airwork Holdings Limited
- ALIA – The Royal Jordanian Airline
- Bristow Group / Bristow Helicopters Limited
- Consolidated Airlines
- easyJet plc
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Emirates
- FR Aviation Limited t/a Draken
- Jet2.com
- John Menzies Plc
- Light Aircraft Association Ltd
- Longtail Aviation International
- Markel
- National Air Traffic
Work highlights
Advising all risks reinsurers concerning multi-billion dollar claims brought by Western aircraft lessors in the English Commercial Court in relation to the "loss" of aircraft leased to Russian airlines.
Representing Indonesian ground handler, PT JAS, and its insurers in a claim arising out of an accident on 4 April 2016 involving a Batik Air Boeing 737-800, which collided on the runway with a Transnusa Aviation ATR-42-600 aircraft, causing extensive damage to both aircraft.
Representing a Cuban aircraft lessee in a multi-million dollar claim against the lessor in respect of the leasing of six brand new aircraft which, the lessee claims, were not in airworthy condition at the time of delivery and, therefore, were grounded for commercial operation by the Cuban regulator.
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.
Tony Payne
Kathryn Ward
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Tony Payne
Other key lawyers
Kathryn Ward; Camilla Bonfield; Sophie Brophy; Mark Franklin; Victoria Cooper; Eric Oehy; John Gilfedder