The aviation industry is setting its sights on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a way to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. This optimistic expectation is presented by Joe Clinton, Matthew Townsend, Richard Chamberlain, and Ying-Peng Chin, who provide an insightful analysis into the regulatory, investment, and production challenges that SAF production faces as…
In a significant legal development, an Austrian regional court has pronounced Austrian Airlines AG (AUA), a subsidiary of Lufthansa, guilty of greenwashing. The case centered around advertisements promoting carbon-neutral flights using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The ruling came in response to a stand taken by the Vienna-based Association for Consumer Information (Verein für Konsumenteninformation)…
In a recent legal development, JetBlue’s motion to revisit a summary judgement was denied by a federal judge. The lawsuit probes into an incident where a passenger was allegedly injured by a cabin overhead bin that had detached. JetBlue had presented a motion seeking an interpretation of their maintenance procedures that was deemed overly restrictive….
Registering an aircraft in the Cayman Islands comes with numerous benefits due to the region’s globally-recognized jurisdiction and its leading aircraft registry in the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (the “CAACI”). This dual advantage of a stable, creditor-friendly jurisdiction paired with an experienced and client-oriented aircraft registry makes the Cayman Islands an optimal…
The legal landscape for mass torts and class action lawsuits continues to shift, most notably with the commencement of the first trial against Johnson & Johnson subsequent to the dismissal of its dual talc bankruptcy cases which took place in California. Meanwhile, lawsuits surrounding mental health issues purportedly caused by social media giants like Facebook…
Passengers distressed by a disrupted Alaska Airlines flight have filed a class-action lawsuit in a state court. The litigation comes as a recourse to the inconvenience faced by the travelers due to the problematic flight. The legal professionals engaged in scrutinizing the commercial affairs of such corporations should rightfully note the intensity of such consumer…
In an alarming recent development, aerospace giant Boeing has confirmed an attack on its parts and distribution site by LockBit ransomware, a malicious software likely of Russian origin. The company has, however, assured that the cyber breach has not in any way impacted flight safety. Presently, Boeing is extensively investigating the breach. The LockBit ransomware,…
The recent inauguration of the new House Speaker, Mike Johnson, has drawn significant public attention toward his seemingly unconventional financial habits. Johnson, contrary to modern norms, apparently does not possess a bank account, a surprising revelation given his position. Johnson’s day-to-day life and views often draw colorful comparisons. His stern adherence to his religious beliefs…
In a recent federal court proceeding, Chairman of Spirit Airlines Inc, Mac Gardner, revealed his initial apprehension toward last year’s takeover bid from JetBlue Airways Corp. In his view, this offer could have been a stratagem to disrupt Spirit’s proposed amalgamation with fellow discount carrier Frontier Group Holdings Inc. As reported by Bloomberg Law, the…
In an ongoing antitrust trial, JetBlue Airways Corp. Chief Executive Officer, Robin Hayes, detailed plans for the rebranding of acquired deep-discount carrier Spirit Airlines Inc. with a strategy positioning the airline as a heavyweight contender against four major airlines. Bloomberg Law reports that JetBlue aims to leverage its $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit to directly…
Herbert Smith Freehills, the global full-service corporate law firm, has recently experienced personnel changes in its Singapore office. The firm suffered the loss of two of its aviation finance partners, Siva Subramanian and Samuel Kohlemainen. Both partners have had distinguished roles within the firm, contributing their expertise to the firm’s aviation finance department. Siva Subramanian…
In a move expected to bring relief to communities affected by military aviation noise, the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) is set to issue up to $75 million in federal grants. This prominent funding opportunity represents a strategic approach by the DoD to support residential areas, schools, hospitals, and…
Amidst rapidly advancing technology and society’s quest for convenience, there is a growing reliance on biometric data usage in our everyday activities. Convenience, however, doesn’t come without concerns. In particular, the aviation sector has been embracing biometrics to expedite passenger processes, potentially changing the landscape of airport security and procedures. After a long international flight,…
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the UK along with the US and EU significantly expanded its sanctions against Russia. This major move included imposing wide restrictions on various sectors, including trade, aviation, shipping, immigration, and finance, reportsFaegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. These measures were far-reaching in that they include…
In a recent development, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and RAM Aircraft, L.C. (RAM), a Waco, Texas Aviation Support Facility, have entered into a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) as of July 22nd. The agreement addresses an alleged violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations by RAM. This detail…
In a recent development, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has rekindled a dispute initiated by Airlines for America (“A4A”), an airline trade collective, on the Healthy Airport Ordinance brought forward by San Francisco. These mandates necessitate any airlines utilizing San Francisco International Airport, city-operated, to offer complete coverage of healthcare plan costs. This mandate…
Opportunities within aviation infrastructure are numerous, particularly in regards to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a market which has been experiencing significant growth. Countries all over the globe are taking action to enable infrastructure development tailored to utilize new technologies in aviation. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been proactive, most notably…
In a recent ruling, Judge Manish S. Shah of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois delivered a narrowed down perspective to a putative class action. This action asserted claims under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against an unnamed airplane manufacturer, as well as its ex-CEO and ex-CFO. The case…
As the “Aviation Green Paper: Towards 2050” recently released by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts suggests, Australian airspace is set for a busy future. The implications drawn from this significant development are worth understanding for legal professionals globally who work in relevant industries or sectors. Given the innovative nature…
In an escalating labor dispute, Starbucks has been ordered by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to present a specific document at a hearing or provide a custodian of the search. This development serves as an instructive reminder for companies around the globe that internal documents relating to relations with potential unions may have to…
In an era where drone technology continues to evolve and penetrate various industries, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is shaping its efforts centered around one primary goal: bolstering the safe deployment of drones in air. Nonetheless, major obstacles have emerged, as the FAA currently operates without a permanent leader and a stable funding package. As…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth recently engaged with key aviation stakeholders in Washington, D.C., as reported by JD Supra. The meeting was held by the AeroClub of Washington, D.C., and took place shortly before the potential government shutdown in the U.S. While the details of the discussion are not public, the timing and attendants imply a…
In a recent development, it appears the Russian government may be seeking to compensate aviation leasing companies for expropriated aircraft and engines. The situation arose as numerous U.S. leasing corporations were affected when Russia seized their aircraft and engines amidst a global sanctions regime imposed due to the ongoing Ukrainian war. The sanctions, spearheaded by…
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of aviation finance and leasing has encountered a slew of challenges that have required the expertise of legal professionals equipped in this area. The crisis has greatly affected the global aviation industry, compelling both operating lessors and financiers to seek consultations from legal counsel on multifaceted…
As the number of commercial launch assets in space continues to escalate, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). This NPRM seeks public commentary on the development of new rules pertaining to the disposal of these assets. The proposed changes draw attention to the increasing concern regarding the…