Supporting clients in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the aviation, aerospace, and transportation team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP continues to provide the full range of regulatory matters. The group is particularly well-placed to manage export licensing, antitrust, and enforcement issues, alongside having experience representing clients on unmanned aircraft system mandates. Handling an array of licensing enforcement, litigation of commercial claims, and marketing agreements, Charles Donley is based in Washington and has appeared before a range of state and federal agencies. Working alongside him in Washington is Laura Jennings Ochoa, who is noted for her experience advising U.S. and foreign airlines. For traffic rights and passenger protection matters, Josh Romanow is a key contact. Rounding out the team in New York is Anne Lefever, who is well-versed in commercial litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is highly experienced in advising airlines and aviation stakeholders on complex and cross-border matters with a strong understanding of the business realities.'
- 'Pillsbury’s aviation practice stands out for its deep industry specialization, commercial mindset, and ability to deliver practical, timely solutions in a fast-moving regulatory and operational environment.'
- 'Pillsbury’s aviation lawyers are consistently on point, anticipating issues before they escalate and providing clear, solution-oriented advice rather than purely academic analysis.'
- 'Charles Donley stands out for his responsiveness, organization, and practical approach. He consistently provides quick, clear answers and is highly efficient in moving matters forward. His ability to stay on top of multiple workstreams while remaining accessible and solution-oriented makes him a trusted day-to-day partner.'
- 'Ed Sauer distinguishes himself, among other things, through his deep expertise in highly specialized aviation contracts. He has a strong ability to recall prior negotiations, historical positions, and nuanced contractual points, which adds significant continuity and value to our company.'
Key clients
- LATAM Airlines Chile, LATAM Peru, LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia, LATAM Argentina, LATAM Brazil, LATAM Colombia, TAM Mercosur
- China Southern Airlines Cargo
- Arajet
- Oman Air
- American Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Cayman Airways
- Air China Cargo
- Xiamen Airlines
- AirFrance-KLM Group
- TAP Air Portugal
- Aeromexico
- China Airlines
- Smart Wings
- Norse Atlantic Airways
- Cebu Pacific Airlines
- Plus Ultra
- Air France
- SF Airlines
- Wamos Air
Work highlights
Representing Aeromexico in an appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit of DOT’s order terminating antitrust immunity with Delta Airlines.
Representing Air China, Xiamen Airlines, China Southern Airlines in DOT proceedings related to flights between the US and China.
Representing LATAM Airlines Group in obtaining from the DOT an award of antitrust immunity with Delta Airlines.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Other key lawyers
Charles Donley; Laura Jennings Ochoa; Josh Romanow; Anne Lefever,