Abreu Advogados demonstrates strong expertise in maritime litigation, aviation, and transportation law, advising on regulatory frameworks, safe freight transport, and public service obligations. The team is co-led by Nuno Luís Sapateiro and João Marques de Almeida. Sapateiro possesses over 15 years' experience in the aviation and insurance sectors, while Almeida is recognised for his expertise in aviation disputes, finance, and regulatory matters. Benedita Marques Pombo is a key team member with extensive experience in M&A and corporate matters across the aviation, maritime, and wider transport sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘João Marques de Almeida is excellent, knowledgeable, reactive and experienced. A go-to cutting-edge lawyer in the aviation sector and other transport-related sectors in Portugal. ’
‘They offer a deep understanding of the Portuguese aviation market and offer a credible alternative to the bigger names in the market.’
‘We regularly work with Nuno Sapateiro and appreciate his pragmatic approach to matters.’
‘They have an excellent knowledge of the aviation industry, its regulation and the Portuguese aviation authority.’
‘João Marques de Almeida recently joined Abreu, and I have no hesitation whatsoever in continuing to work with him and recommending him to clients.’
‘We have been working with Abreu Avogados for a short period of time, but so far the collaboration has been outstanding. I believe what makes it unique is their ability to adapt to different circumstances and look for alternative solutions, always keeping the customer in mind (they know their customers very well, which is essential). On the other hand, they have always been very proactive and organised.’

Key clients

Alsa/NEXCONTINENTAL
Aviation Capital Group
Embraer Portugal., S.A.
Expeditors Portugal Transitários, Lda. (Expeditors Washington Inc)
Genesis Aircraft Services Limited
Jackson Square Aviation
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

Work highlights

Advised a leading French bank on a secured loan transaction involving the mortgage of a Falcon F2000LXS aircraft registered in Portugal, including structuring, negotiation, and registration of the aircraft mortgage with the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority.

Represented ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal and Allianz France in a high-profile aviation dispute arising from a collision between an Airbus A330 and a Boeing 767 during towing operations, advising on liability allocation, ground handling procedures, and the interpretation of international aviation standards.

Represented Ryanair in high-volume regulatory and litigation matters concerning EU air passenger rights in Portugal, including disputes under EU Regulation 261/2004 and engagement with the Civil Aviation Authority on the interpretation of European aviation rules.