The ‘professional, dedicated, and responsive’ aviation practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has a strong presence in the European, Latin American, and Asian transport markets. Out of the firm’s Washington DC office, Charles Donley leads a team that provides ’complete solutions’ to problems arising from antitrust matters,  regulatory compliance, federal investigations, and commercial litigation. Donley’s client-orientated approach leaves companies fully informed and assured by the solutions proposed. His advice to several Chinese airlines on operational restrictions arising out of the Russian-Ukraine war speaks to his multi-jurisdictional expertise which is prevalent in the rest of his team. The DC office is strengthened by Josh Romanow, a corporate and transactional specialist who is well-equipped to advise on FAA and TSA regulatory compliance. The team is boosted by the experience of Laura Jennings Ochoa and Edward Sauer. Ochoa has a wealth of experience dealing with foreign aviation entities, assisting them with route proceedings, regulatory compliance, and commercial licensing. The scope of Sauer’s work is broad but his involvement in the firm’s representation of MIAT Mongolian Airlines is a highlight.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They are all professional, dedicated, and responsive, providing complete solutions rather than answers.’

  • ‘Charles Donley, the lead of the team, is always making quick responses to customer needs and keeps our concerns in mind and would offer follow-up or relevant information even afterwards the case closed to make us fully informed and assured by the solutions.’

  • ‘Experienced, knowledgeable, responsive, and reliable. ’

  • ‘Josh Romanow is experienced, knowledgeable, responsive, and reliable. ’

  • ‘Pillsbury has been a longstanding partner of our company, assisting us with several aviation-related litigations and regulatory matters. With their support, we successfully obtained a U.S. DOT exemption in 2023.’

  • ‘Proactive and eager to assist with all matters related to U.S. aviation, including updates on new rules and regulations. Our long-standing relationship with them uniquely positions us, enhancing our communication and collaboration.’

Key clients

  • LATAM Airlines Chile, LATAM Peru, LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia, LATAM Argentina, LATAM Brazil, LATAM Colombia, TAM Mercosur
  • American Airlines
  • Xiamen Airlines
  • Aeromexico
  • Norse Atlantic Airways
  • Air France
  • Air China Limited/Air China Cargo
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Hainan Airlines
  • MIAT Mongolian Airlines

Work highlights

  • Advised Aeromexico on the US DOT’s show cause order proposing cancellation of its antitrust immunity with Delta Air Lines.
  • Advised KLM Royal Dutch Airlines on the US DOT’s proposal to restrict KLM’s antitrust immunity with Air France, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic due to slot restrictions at AMS.
  • Advised Chinese airlines on US DOT policies and restrictions on their operations between China and the US.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Charles Donley
Josh Romanow

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Laura Jennings Ochoa

Practice head

Charles F. Donley

Other key lawyers

Josh Romanow; Laura Jennings Ochoa; Edward Sauer