Our Aviation practice advises domestic and international clients across the aviation sector on financing, leasing, regulation, infrastructure, and operational matters in PNG, and the Asia-Pacific region.
We work with airlines, lessors, financiers, airport stakeholders, and aviation regulators on aircraft transactions, registration, corporate governance, airport infrastructure, employment matters, and compliance with aviation regulatory frameworks.
We deliver practical, commercially focused legal solutions that support transactions, manage risk, and help clients operate confidently in a complex and highly regulated aviation environment.
Core Capabilities
Aircraft Financing & Leasing
We advise on a broad range of aircraft financing and leasing matters, including the preparation and negotiation of lease and finance documentation for commercial and rotary-wing aircraft, cross-border financing and security structuring, and strategic advice to lessors, lenders, and operators on aircraft registration and the perfection of interests. Our team delivers commercially astute, solutions-focused support that helps clients structure transactions with confidence and navigate complex regulatory and financing requirements.
Aviation Regulation & Compliance
We advise airlines, operators, and aviation stakeholders aviation regulatory and compliance matters, including engagement with civil aviation authorities and airport regulators, licensing and operating certification requirements, safety and operational compliance, and foreign carrier establishment and approval processes. Our team provides clear, commercially focused guidance to help clients manage regulatory risk, secure approvals efficiently, and operate with confidence in a highly regulated aviation environment.
Airlines & Operators
We advise airlines, operators, and aviation service providers on corporate, commercial, operational, and employment matters, including aircraft operation and maintenance arrangements, day-to-day business advisory support, and the structuring of strategic alliances, mergers, and joint ventures. Our team provides practical, commercially focused advice that supports efficient operations, manages legal and commercial risk, and helps aviation businesses pursue growth opportunities with confidence.
Airport & Infrastructure Projects
We have advised the National Airport Corporation, infrastructure stakeholders, and project financiers and sponsors on a wide range of airport and aviation infrastructure matters, including airport lease and concession arrangements, facilities development and project documentation, and land access and public-private partnership structures. Our team provides commercially focused, practical advice that supports project delivery, allocates risk effectively, and helps clients navigate the legal and regulatory issues associated with aviation infrastructure development.
Disputes & Risk Management
We advise clients on aviation disputes and risk management issues across the sector, including liability and enforcement matters, dispute resolution processes, liaison with relevant aviation industry regulators, and regulatory compliance issues. Our team delivers strategic, commercially focused advice aimed at protecting client interests, resolving disputes efficiently, strengthening risk management frameworks, and helping clients navigate regulatory engagement in a complex operational environment.
Selected Experience
Japan Airlines, ANA and Qantas. We acted on aircraft leasing arrangements and related international aviation transactions, advising on the structuring and documentation of cross-border leasing matters in support of major airline operations.
Macquarie Rotorcraft, Waypoint Leasing and Columbia Helicopters. We advised on aircraft leasing matters in PNG, including registry requirements, compliance issues, and transaction support for rotary-wing aircraft operations.
PNG Air and Air Niugini. We support these national carriers on a range of regulatory, commercial, and corporate aviation matters, providing practical advice to assist with day-to-day operations and broader strategic transactions.
National Airports Corporation. We advised on airport lease arrangements and commercial facility agreements, supporting the legal and commercial framework for airport infrastructure and operational projects.
Why Clients Choose Us
Clients choose us for our deep experience across PNG’s aviation sector, our strong understanding of the regulatory and operational environment, and our ability to deliver practical, commercially focused advice on complex aviation matters. Our Aircraft & Aviation team works closely with our Corporate, Employment, Litigation, Projects, and Regulatory practices to provide integrated support across transactions, operations, infrastructure development, and dispute resolution, with a proven track record of advising airlines, lessors, financiers, airport stakeholders, and aviation service providers on sophisticated mandates in PNG and across the region.
Publications & Recognition
Our lawyers contribute to major aviation law texts, including Sweet & Maxwell’s International Aircraft Financing and Aircraft Liens and Detention Rights publications, and the Chambers Global Aircraft Financing & Leasing Guide.
