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    Aviation, Aerospace & Defence

Aviation, Aerospace & Defence

Aviation, Aerospace and Defence - Banner

Pushing thresholds

Aviation, aerospace and defence are three of the fastest moving sectors, with new developments and disruptive technology unfolding at lightning speed. One constant in this environment, however, is that innovation comes with new rules, regulations and restrictions. 

Established name in the field or new start up, you're likely to find yourself exploring uncharted legal territory, which always comes with risk. Whether that's commercial supersonic flights or using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as air taxis. We can be your reliable co-pilot amidst a landscape of ever-changing rules, regulations and considerations.

Whether your concerns are around competition, safety, security, sustainability, or anything else, we have the knowledge to guide you.

Our team of aviation lawyers don't just understand the market and the challenges that come with it. We have a vested and genuine interest in it. No matter what projects you're investing in or working on, we're ready to join you on your journey.

Stay in command

The global defence sector is constantly adapting to change. New technologies, geopolitical tensions, ESG matters, supply chain issues and talent shortages are all having a major impact.

We have a strong defence CV behind us. Having acted for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for over 20 years, we understand the politics of defence contracting. We're familiar with the approvals processes, as well as defence conditions. So have confidence that we can guide and support you as a trusted legal advisor. 

Global knowledge and support

Aviation, aerospace and defence are international affairs, which require international support. Our team offers pro-active, connected and consistent support across multiple international jurisdictions. We're an international law firm, which allows us to offer cross-border support from Europe to the US and the Middle East. Whether that's territory-specific strategic advice, multinational project management or worldwide dispute resolution. 

Aviation, aerospace and defence are three of the fastest moving sectors, with new developments and disruptive technology unfolding at lightning speed. One constant in this environment, however, is that innovation comes with new rules, regulations and restrictions. 

Established name in the field or new start up, you're likely to find yourself exploring uncharted legal territory, which always comes with risk. Whether that's commercial supersonic flights or using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as air taxis. We can be your reliable co-pilot amidst a landscape of ever-changing rules, regulations and considerations.

Whether your concerns are around competition, safety, security, sustainability, or anything else, we have the knowledge to guide you.

Our team of aviation lawyers don't just understand the market and the challenges that come with it. We have a vested and genuine interest in it. No matter what projects you're investing in or working on, we're ready to join you on your journey.

Stay in command

The global defence sector is constantly adapting to change. New technologies, geopolitical tensions, ESG matters, supply chain issues and talent shortages are all having a major impact.

We have a strong defence CV behind us. Having acted for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for over 20 years, we understand the politics of defence contracting. We're familiar with the approvals processes, as well as defence conditions. So have confidence that we can guide and support you as a trusted legal advisor. 

Global knowledge and support

Aviation, aerospace and defence are international affairs, which require international support. Our team offers pro-active, connected and consistent support across multiple international jurisdictions. We're an international law firm, which allows us to offer cross-border support from Europe to the US and the Middle East. Whether that's territory-specific strategic advice, multinational project management or worldwide dispute resolution. 

How we can help

Aviation and aerospace lawyers or defence sector lawyers. Day-to-day support or assistance on small or large-scale challenges. Our team can provide the sector-specific expertise you need to achieve your goals.

Public procurement and commercial contracts

Understanding your commitments and obligations is essential when tendering for public sector and commercial contracts alike. We can advise on public procurement regulations and draft supporting documentation. We have extensive commercial contracts experience including catering, engineering, ground handling, maintenance, repair and overhaul.

Public procurement and commercial contracts

Understanding your commitments and obligations is essential when tendering for public sector and commercial contracts alike. We can advise on public procurement regulations and draft supporting documentation. We have extensive commercial contracts experience including catering, engineering, ground handling, maintenance, repair and overhaul.

Commercial litigation and insurance

Commercial litigation and insurance

We’ve handled disputes in more than 50 jurisdictions, so can easily navigate all sorts of international arbitration rules. From The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and United Nations Commission On International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Our team of aviation lawyers in the UK can advise on everything from intellectual property rights to disagreements within joint ventures.

Competition and regulatory

Competition and regulatory

Air and space law is constantly evolving. If you're not careful, you can quickly find yourself facing a host of regulatory issues. We can help you comply with any regulatory body. Including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Corporate mergers and acquisitions

Corporate mergers and acquisitions

The air and space industry and defence sector hold a wealth of opportunity. Our team can support with any diversification or expansion into new and adjacent markets. We'll get to know your business so we can offer tailored, creative strategies that will help achieve your goals.

Employment and pensions

Employment and pensions

The Air Transport Action Group estimates that the aviation industry supports around 86.5 million jobs globally. The Aerospace and Defence Industries Association claims that ASD member states alone employ over one million people. With such huge numbers, challenges can arise. We can advise on everything within employment law, from employment tribunals to pensions, across the sector.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property

Chances are your projects will have global reach and implications. IP will likely be at the heart of your business. We have award-winning, dedicated intellectual property lawyers in the UK, Canada, France, Germany and UAE. So we have the local and regional knowledge to advise you both domestically and overseas.

Client work

AAD - Client work - GKN

GKN

GKN

Our space lawyers successfully defended GKN in a patent infringement action. After a successful strike out application of the patentee's infringement, GKN was paid the majority of their costs and the case came to a successful end.
AAD - Client work - Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence (MoD)

Ministry of Defence (MoD)

We supported the MoD on the procurement of its 13- year HAWK fast jet contract. This covered the in-service support, maintenance and provision of spares for its fast jet aircraft.
AAD - Client work - Stratospheric Platforms

Stratospheric Platforms

Stratospheric Platforms

Our air and space lawyers have advised Stratospheric Platforms on various corporate and commercial matters. This advice covered potential new investments and commercial ventures, and drafting intergroup agreements.
AAD - Client work - Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

We are advising Birmingham Airport on multiple projects and contracts. The airport is investing half a billion pounds to meet anticipated growth in passenger numbers. This includes the £40 million, award-winning, Next Generation Security project.
AAD - Client work - GKN

GKN

GKN

Our space lawyers successfully defended GKN in a patent infringement action. After a successful strike out application of the patentee's infringement, GKN was paid the majority of their costs and the case came to a successful end.
AAD - Client work - Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence (MoD)

Ministry of Defence (MoD)

We supported the MoD on the procurement of its 13- year HAWK fast jet contract. This covered the in-service support, maintenance and provision of spares for its fast jet aircraft.
AAD - Client work - Stratospheric Platforms

Stratospheric Platforms

Stratospheric Platforms

Our air and space lawyers have advised Stratospheric Platforms on various corporate and commercial matters. This advice covered potential new investments and commercial ventures, and drafting intergroup agreements.
AAD - Client work - Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

We are advising Birmingham Airport on multiple projects and contracts. The airport is investing half a billion pounds to meet anticipated growth in passenger numbers. This includes the £40 million, award-winning, Next Generation Security project.
AAD - Client work - GKN

GKN

GKN

Our space lawyers successfully defended GKN in a patent infringement action. After a successful strike out application of the patentee's infringement, GKN was paid the majority of their costs and the case came to a successful end.
AAD - Client work - Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence (MoD)

Ministry of Defence (MoD)

We supported the MoD on the procurement of its 13- year HAWK fast jet contract. This covered the in-service support, maintenance and provision of spares for its fast jet aircraft.
AAD - Client work - Stratospheric Platforms

Stratospheric Platforms

Stratospheric Platforms

Our air and space lawyers have advised Stratospheric Platforms on various corporate and commercial matters. This advice covered potential new investments and commercial ventures, and drafting intergroup agreements.
AAD - Client work - Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

We are advising Birmingham Airport on multiple projects and contracts. The airport is investing half a billion pounds to meet anticipated growth in passenger numbers. This includes the £40 million, award-winning, Next Generation Security project.
AAD - Client work - GKN

GKN

GKN

Our space lawyers successfully defended GKN in a patent infringement action. After a successful strike out application of the patentee's infringement, GKN was paid the majority of their costs and the case came to a successful end.

Key contacts

Elizabeth Williams

Elizabeth Williams

Partner

Leader of Aviation, Aerospace and Defence (UK)

Birmingham, London
Tom Cox

Tom Cox

Principal Associate

London
View our team
Aviation Aerospace & Defence - in-page - image

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Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.

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