Practice Areas & Industries: Akerman Senterfitt

Practice/Industry Group Overview

Our attorneys providing services to companies operating in the aviation sector come from a broad range of legal practices within the firm. We are able to handle any legal matter affecting an organization within the field. Our attorneys have represented domestic and foreign airlines, overhaul facilities, parts suppliers, publicly traded aircraft lessors, and fractional interest programs.

In the representation of airlines, we have been involved in a multitude of issues. These issues include new airline financing, negotiating with airport authorities, contracting with suppliers and other parties, litigating passenger and cargo claims, addressing labor and employment matters, negotiating aircraft financing, and leases, coordinating regulatory matters, and advising on matters involving hazardous materials and environmental enforcement.

Services Available

We actively represent aviation clients in the purchase, sale, and lease of newly manufactured and pre-owned commercial aircraft and business jets, the importation of foreign owned aircraft into the United States, and the Federal Aviation Administration registration of aircraft by non-citizens. We have significant experience in the purchase and sale of fractional interest programs and regularly represent clients in the commencement of air taxi and charter services. Attorneys from our tax practice regularly provide tax counseling for aircraft purchase and lease negotiations.

Our aviation attorneys also have extensive experience in the representation of many aviation-related businesses, including aircraft manufacturers, leading parts suppliers, and overhaul facilities worldwide, and in the acquisition of aviation-related companies, including companies specializing in the provision of spare parts, engine leasing, and related servicing. Finally, members of the firm have experience in the area of creditors' rights, including repossessing and defending against the repossession of aircraft and aircraft engines.

In summary:

Akerman Senterfitt's Aviation practice provides legal services to the following areas of the Aviation sector:

• Airlines
• Private aircraft operators
• Publicly owned interstate airlines
• Leasing companies
• Financial institutions
• Maintenance and repair facilities
• Aviation parts distributors
• Fractional interest programs and purchasers
• Air taxi operators (Part 135 Operations)
• Non-US citizens in owner and owner trust acquisitions

The practice handles the following legal matters for aviation clients:

• New airline financing
• Purchase of aircraft
• Aircraft financing and leasing
• Land and aircraft lease negotiations
• Tax counseling for purchase and lease
• Purchase and sale of fractional interest programs
• Commencement of air taxi and charter service
• Exemptions from regulatory requirement
• Private placements
• Securitization of airline receivables
• Private jet fuel purchase agreements
• FAA safety operation regulation
• Landing rights
• Aircraft and engine maintenance agreements
• Equipment lease and mortgage
• Defense of aircraft seizure issues
• Emergency response plans

Clients:
AirNet Communications Corporation, Embraer Aircraft Corporation, Kellstrom