Kelley Drye has extensive expertise in every aspect of the air transport industry, including regulatory matters, enforcement proceedings, international aviation agreements, aircraft acquisition and leasing and commercial affairs generally. We have handled regulatory, transactional, corporate, commercial and legislative matters for virtually every type of entity involved in aviation, including domestic and foreign passenger and all-cargo airlines, air freight forwarders, shipper groups, airport authorities, general aviation and aircraft manufacturers. Kelley Drye has experience in obtaining route rights for foreign and domestic airlines and in dealing with the U.S. Department of State in bilateral negotiations with foreign countries. We practice before the Department of Transportation (the “DOT”), the Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) and other federal agencies.

Our attorneys work with and monitor the DOT, the FAA, the Department of State and other government agencies involved in the regulation of aviation on a daily basis. The Firm also follows all aviation-related legislation and hearings in Congress. Our attorneys have represented parties in their negotiations with the aerospace industry as well as the industry itself. They have negotiated major contracts on behalf of airlines with Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Fairchild, Aerospatiale and General Electric/SNECMA. They also represent a major European aircraft manufacturer in its international commercial affairs.

The Firm is experienced in aircraft acquisition and leasing. For example, our attorneys have been representing a major air freight carrier in one of the largest civil aircraft acquisition programs in history. During this time, the client has acquired over $2 billion worth of new and used B-747, DC-8, B-727, B-757 and smaller commuter aircraft, through both purchase and lease. Our attorneys negotiated the contracts, including related aircraft modification, repair and maintenance agreements, conducted the closings and secured necessary regulatory approvals in connection with this massive purchase and lease program. These transactions were worldwide in nature and involved over 120 new and used aircraft.

Additionally, Kelley Drye has extensive expertise in matters pertaining to airport access issues. Our attorneys represent clients in numerous regulatory and judicial proceedings in these areas. We have handled matters involving airport use agreements, facilities leases, environmental problems, landing fee disputes, noise issues and airport administration.

For further information about Kelley Drye's Aviation Law Practice Group, please contact:

David L. Vaughan
(202) 342-8462
dvaughan@kelleydrye.com