Aviation

Overview

In the dynamic and highly regulated aviation industry, businesses and institutional stakeholders require legal counsel with technical precision, commercial insight, and global fluency. Our Aviation Practice delivers comprehensive support across the full lifecycle of aircraft ownership and operations, serving airlines, charter operators, manufacturers, service providers, lenders, and other aviation enterprises. We also advise high-net-worth individuals involved in private aviation, ensuring their interests are protected in complex transactions and regulatory matters.

We advise on the acquisition, sale, leasing, and financing of private and commercial aircraft, including structuring ownership through trusts and offshore entities to meet FAA and DOT compliance requirements. Our team negotiates complex transactions with manufacturers, lenders, and service providers, and offers trustee services for foreign ownership of U.S.-registered aircraft.

Beyond transactional work, we represent fixed-base operators (FBOs), maintenance and repair organizations (MROs), airport developers, and air carriers in matters involving land use, leasing, regulatory compliance, insurance, and litigation. We provide strategic counsel on FAA and DOT proceedings, air carrier certification, aviation labor and employment issues, and defense against administrative claims.

We also assist clients with aircraft repossession and asset recovery, including enforcement actions and bankruptcy-related proceedings. For those operating at the forefront of aviation innovation, we offer legal guidance on emerging technologies such as drones, eVTOL aircraft, and advanced air mobility platforms.

Whether navigating cross-border aircraft transactions, advising on airport infrastructure development, or resolving high-stakes disputes, our Aviation Practice delivers the legal sophistication and industry insight required to support complex aviation ventures with discretion and efficiency.

Areas of Focus

Aircraft Transactions, Ownership & Cross-Border Structuring

We advise clients on the purchase, sale, leasing, and financing of private and commercial aircraft, with tailored ownership structures that meet FAA and DOT compliance requirements. Our team handles aircraft registration and deregistration across U.S. and international jurisdictions, coordinates title and lien searches, and manages escrow and closing logistics. We also guide clients through cross-border transactions, import/export regulations, and customs compliance.

Commercial Aviation Operations

Commercial aviation moves fast—and your legal strategy should move faster. Clients across the full spectrum of aviation operations turn to us for legal insight and strategic counsel that help businesses thrive. From FBO agreements and MRO contracts to airport development and charter management, the team negotiates service provider arrangements and land use agreements while advising on operational risk and liability. And when disputes arise—whether over access rights, service failures, or contractual breaches—seasoned litigation support protects your interests and keeps operations moving forward.

Regulatory Compliance & Certification

We will be your side to navigate the complexities of FAA and DOT regulations —including compliance with Parts 91, 135, and 121. Our team assists with air carrier certification, environmental and safety regulations, and operational approvals. We also represent clients in enforcement actions and administrative proceedings, and handle disputes involving regulatory violations, certification challenges, and compliance failures.

Aircraft Repossession & Recovery

When borrowers default or fail to honor their commitments, we help lenders, lessors, and lienholders protect their interests through aircraft repossession and recovery actions, including enforcement of security interests and lien rights. Our team handles litigation involving loan defaults, breach of lease, and title disputes, and provides strategic support in bankruptcy-related proceedings. We assist creditors in navigating Chapter 11 cases, pursuing asset recovery, and negotiating DIP financing and asset sales involving aviation assets.

Emerging Technologies & Innovation

Aviation visionaries are boldly pushing boundaries—and Barakat + Bossa is ready to help get your venture off the ground. Our team provides strategic guidance to pioneers developing and launching drones (UAS/UAV), eVTOL aircraft, and advanced air mobility (AAM) platforms in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Our services include regulatory compliance, airspace integration, safety standards, and intellectual property protection, along with assistance in licensing, partnership agreements, and disputes involving aviation technology and infrastructure.