Aviation
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 1
About
Provided by Clayton Utz
The Clayton Utz team have been consistent in their strategy to be the first call for the aviation industry to deliver practical wrap around advice for challenging projects in this highly regulated environment.
The success of their vision is demonstrated year on year by the increasing breadth and depth of the instructions they receive and the long-standing relationships they have built with clients including Western Sydney, Canberra, Moorabbin, Avalon, Essendon and Brisbane Airports.
The team has continued to be sought out for the most complex airport infrastructure projects because they understand the full lifecycle of the specific aviation considerations for a project - from initial business case, approach to market, aeronautical pricing, commercial recovery, approvals and tenure strategies, delivery to operations.
The depth of the teams experience means they are not using client time to upskill. They are called upon to respond to emerging and urgent matters - as demonstrated by the work in responding to intervention from regulators, emerging pollution matters and changes in the regulatory landscape.
Chambers Review
Clayton Utz maintains a practice with longstanding experience in the aviation industry offering a comprehensive service to international and domestic airports throughout Australia. The law firm's expertise encompasses domestic and international air services agreements, as well as terminal services agreements, airline pricing agreements and airport conditions of use. Its legal team also advises on the development of aviation infrastructure. Clayton Utz's major clients include Commonwealth and state government departments, which it advises on aviation services and airport construction and infrastructure matters, including environmental and planning aspects.
Work Highlights
- Clayton Utz advised the Victorian government on the development and negotiation of agreements with both the Commonwealth and Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) and the provision of strategic advice in respect of the development and operation of a new rail link on the airport site.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I really rate them; they are commercially astute and excellent negotiators. The partners bring innovations to the work they do and they have performed incredibly well in negotiations."
"The Clayton Utz team has a deep understanding of the aviation sector and the corresponding legal framework. It is extremely responsive and proactive, while always providing outstanding quality."
"I really rate them; they are commercially astute and excellent negotiators. The partners bring innovations to the work they do and they have performed incredibly well in negotiations."
"The Clayton Utz team has a deep understanding of the aviation sector and the corresponding legal framework. It is extremely responsive and proactive, while always providing outstanding quality."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Leece is a pre-eminent practitioner who represents airlines and government bodies as well as both domestic and international airports. He demonstrates a wealth of experience advising on a wide range of issues, encompassing terminal services agreements, airline pricing agreements and various airport infrastructure-related issues, including land access questions.
"Andrew is a really good operator and understands subject matter unique to the airport space, which puts him in an excellent position to negotiate."
"We have received excellent support from Andrew and his team."
"Andrew provides a high level of service and coordination of team to manage our issues."
"Andrew has outstanding knowledge of the aviation industry."
James Kendal advises a range of airports on property, pricing and services agreements as well as construction and regulatory matters. His other clients include airlines, state governments and corporates.
"James is a very good adviser who is reliable and technically strong."
"James is a very approachable lawyer with good technical skills."
Ranked Lawyers at
Clayton Utz
Australia
Members
Provided by Clayton Utz
Head of Department
Chris Slocombe
Damien Gardiner
Karen Trainor
Michael Richardson
Nick Thomas
Sarah Jones
Industries
Provided by Clayton Utz
Construction, Infrastructure and Project Finance
Government