Patrick Bettle

Managing associate

Patrick is a managing associate in our commercial litigation department, who advises on disputes encompassing a number of sectors. Patrick has particular experience in aviation litigation and regulation.

Patrick advises on and manages litigation and arbitration for a diverse range of clients, including listed companies, major airlines, aircraft lessors, smaller aircraft operators and high net worth individuals. Patrick has a particular specialism in aviation law and regulation, and advises on pre-litigation disputes, and disputes that develop into litigation through the courts and international arbitration.

Patrick has advised on all types of aircraft leases, and on various contractual disputes between stakeholders in the aviation sector. Patrick also frequently provides regulatory advice to aviation clients on matters of international, EU and UK law. He has extensive experience of matters involving national aviation authorities and regulators, and has a particular interest in "greenwashing" issues.

During the Covid-19 crisis Patrick has advised several airlines and lessors on frustration and force majeure issues and has worked on high-profile airline restructuring matters. Patrick also co-authored a chapter on "Covid-19 and Aviation Disputes" in a special publication by Wolters Kluwer titled "International Arbitration and the Covid-19 Revolution."

Patrick has a developing interest in space law. Patrick moderated a panel the Royal Aeronautical Society’s inaugural space law seminar, which considered the legal challenges facing the NewSpace industry in the UK, and in June 2024 he co-authored the UK chapter for Chambers and Partners' inaugural space law guide.

Patrick holds an Advanced LL.M. in Air and Space Law from Leiden University, is an Affiliate Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and BAR UK, and is registered with the Law Society of Ireland. Patrick was the recipient of the European Air Law Association prize for 2024.