Amazon has made a significant move in bolstering its aviation business by hiring a seasoned partner from Crowell & Moring. Patrick R. Rhein, who brings extensive experience in aviation law, will join Amazon’s in-house legal team to support its growing aviation operations, part of Amazon’s broader logistics strategy. Rhein’s transition from Crowell & Moring, where…
Amna Arshad, a seasoned aviation expert and former senior trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Transportation, has been appointed as the associate general counsel for Amazon’s worldwide aviation business. This move marks a significant step for Amazon as it seeks to bolster its legal expertise in aviation, aligning with its expansion goals in the…
Boeing’s legal battles concerning the tragic crashes of its 737 Max 8 planes are seeing significant developments. Recently, the aerospace giant has reached settlements in three lawsuits linked to the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash. These settlements come as part of Boeing’s ongoing efforts to address the legal and reputational fallout of incidents that collectively…
Greenspoon Marder, a prominent law firm renowned for its diversified legal practices, has recently bolstered its presence in the aviation sector by recruiting seasoned litigator Laura Masuri in New York. Masuri, who brings significant expertise in aviation litigation, joins the firm’s expanding cadre of legal professionals at a time when aviation law is increasingly critical…
Opening statements commenced Tuesday afternoon in Chicago federal court for the first civil trial against Boeing concerning the 2019 crash of a 737 Max 8 aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 157 individuals on board. While Boeing has settled the majority of wrongful death lawsuits related to this…
Veralto, a Massachusetts-based company that specializes in water and product quality solutions, has appointed a new Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This strategic move sees an industry veteran, who previously held significant legal roles at Panasonic Avionics Corp and AptarGroup, stepping into the role. The appointment underscores Veralto’s commitment to strengthening its legal frameworks and governance…
As the legal landscape evolves, several key cases are capturing the attention of legal professionals. Among the most significant trends is an escalating focus on litigation concerning charitable donations. The IRS has intensified its scrutiny of charitable contributions, prompting a noticeable uptick in related legal battles. This development stems from efforts to curb abuses in…
A Michigan federal jury has rendered a verdict in favor of LinTech Global Inc., an information technology support company, awarding $6.8 million in a case alleging contract interference by a former employee. The case brought to light the complexities of contract disputes within government contracts, particularly those involving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where LinTech…
In a strategic move reflecting its continued expansion, employment and labor law firm FordHarrison LLP has added two seasoned attorneys to its Airline Group, enhancing their presence in Chicago and Nashville. The firm, known for its robust representation of airlines in employment matters, demonstrates its commitment to providing comprehensive legal services within this specialized industry….
As Milan cements its status as a hub for affluence, the city has become a magnet for top legal talent, drawing in experts from various specialties. Italy’s attractive tax incentives have augmented this allure, inviting a bevy of high-powered lawyers to set up shop in the city. This influx is reshaping Milan’s legal landscape, bringing…
The European Union’s longstanding tax exemptions for aviation and maritime fuels have recently come under scrutiny, raising questions about their legality and alignment with the bloc’s environmental objectives. These exemptions, enshrined in the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) of 2003, have been pivotal in shaping the fiscal landscape for the transport sector. Under the ETD, commercial…
Amnesty International has urgently called for measures to protect civilians in Myanmar following a recent and staggering attack during the Thadingyut Festival of Lights in central Myanmar. A reported paramotor strike resulted in over 20 civilian fatalities, including children, as motorized paragliders reportedly dropped explosives on a crowd gathered in Chaung-U Township. Witnesses recounted that…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to reject an appeal from a personal aviation company has stirred discussions in the legal community concerning the right to jury trials in trademark cases. The appeal questioned whether parties involved in trademark infringement cases retain the right to a jury trial when the remedy sought is an accounting…
StandardAero, a prominent name in the aviation maintenance industry, has reinstated Michael Kaplan as its Chief Legal Officer, a move that underscores the company’s strategic alignment with experienced legal oversight. Kaplan, who previously held the position from 2018 to 2020, is set to bring his robust legal acumen back to the company at a critical…
A wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed in the aftermath of the tragic collision involving an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives near Washington, D.C. The suit emphasizes that “this collision could have been avoided,” underscoring the potential negligence that may have led to…
The widow of Casey Crafton, a passenger killed in the January 29 mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines, its subsidiary PSA Airlines, the U.S. Army, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges negligence on…
Russia has initiated an appeal against Australia and the Netherlands at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), challenging a decision made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This decision, rendered in May 2025, found Russia in violation of international aviation law concerning the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, a tragic incident that resulted…
In a battle that’s stirring the aviation industry, Air charter broker XO Global has initiated legal action against its competitor Jet365 in a Miami court. The lawsuit alleges that Jet365 engaged in unethical practices by offering bribes to a former XO Global sales employee. This employee purportedly supplied Jet365 with confidential business information, enabling the…
The aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives in Ahmedabad, India, has taken a significant legal turn. The Lanier Law Firm has initiated legal proceedings against major industry players Boeing and Honeywell, marking the first lawsuit filed regarding this incident. The filing asserts allegations…
Baker Botts has recently bolstered its aviation finance capabilities by appointing a new partner from White & Case to its Dubai office. This strategic hire underscores Baker Botts’ commitment to expanding its footprint in the Middle East’s aviation sector, a region known for robust growth in air travel and aircraft financing. The newly appointed partner,…
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $3.1 million fine against Boeing following a series of safety violations at the company’s 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and its subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems’ facility in Wichita, Kansas. This action is linked to a significant incident involving a door plug blowout that occurred in January 2024. The…
Alaska Air has announced significant changes in its leadership team, promoting its General Counsel to Chief Legal Officer and Vice President, signaling a strategic move to strengthen its legal and operational frameworks. This reshuffle is part of a broader trend within the airline industry, where legal expertise is increasingly becoming central to corporate strategy and…
Spirit Airlines’ recent filing for bankruptcy protection highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the airline industry in navigating the financial turbulence of the COVID-19 era. This marks Spirit’s second Chapter 11 filing, raising important questions about the effectiveness of this legal recourse for financially distressed companies. Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows companies to restructure their debts…
In a notable transition within the aerospace and technology sectors, the former General Counsel of GE Aerospace has been appointed as the new Chief Legal Officer of Red River, a growing tech company. This move signifies Red River’s strategic intent to bolster its legal and compliance frameworks as it continues to expand its operations in…
Dubai has long been the preferred destination for expatriate lawyers in the Middle East, offering a dynamic legal market and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. However, recent developments in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are reshaping the region’s legal landscape, presenting new opportunities and considerations for legal professionals contemplating relocation. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative is…