We have in-depth experience and expertise in advising on technical airframe and engine maintenance issues, compliance with lease return condition requirements, referencing AMMs, SRMs, and MPDs, disputes with OEMs, MROs, damages claims arising from late redelivery of aircraft, and we work with a wide range of technical experts including powerplant engineers, CAMOs, avionics experts, appraisers and valuers both pre-dispute and in court proceedings or international arbitrations.
Examples of our experience in "heavy metal" disputes involving aircraft and engines:
See also our experience in redelivery and maintenance disputes acting for aircraft lessors, financiers and asset managers and aircraft lessees, airlines and air operators.
OEMs
- Advised aircraft owners and operators in disputes with aircraft and engine OEMs concerning inherent defects, airworthiness and safety, performance guarantees and reliability issues concerning airframes, major components and engines.
- Acted on numerous accident investigations, minor incidents, and major air disasters, including the Lockerbie investigation and trial, and in relation to fatal accident inquiries and coroner's inquests.
MROs and P2F conversions
- Advised in relation to a multi-aircraft passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme, impact of delays to the conversion schedule, and damages for delayed delivery / slot-out.
- Advised a legacy European airline in relation to the sale of five aircraft to be converted from passenger to cargo aircraft in the English High Court and during a mediation.
- Advised in relation to a lien (or a right of retention) asserted by an MRO for alleged outstanding amounts owed by the operator, and the MRO's threat to part-out / sell the aircraft.
Parts suppliers
- Acted for a European airline in a dispute concerning the supply and installation of in-seat power systems across the airline's fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft.
- Acted for an African airline in relation to a complex and multi-jurisdictional contractual dispute regarding the sale of landing gear to a major global supplier of aviation spare parts and validity of certain ARCs.
- Acted for a Middle Eastern airline in relation to a global supplier of high value aviation spare parts arising out of a consignment agreement concerning missing inventory and substantial damage caused by inappropriate storage.
