Department profile
Cozen O'Connor

Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Cozen O'Connor

Rankings

About

Provided by Cozen O'Connor

Cozen O’Connor has one of the most formidable transportation groups of any major U.S. law firm with decades of experience in maritime, aviation, logistics, intermodal, and ground transport.

Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation Regulatory attorneys represent major U.S. and non-U.S. passenger and cargo airlines; airline trade associations; public charter operators; aircraft, engine and equipment manufacturers; aircraft lessors; corporate flight departments, air travel distribution companies; advanced air mobility/air taxi and uncrewed aircraft system (drone) manufacturers and operators; air/ground express delivery companies, and logistics specialists. We also advise and represent Fortune 500 companies, banks, private individuals, private equity funds, and other investors with aviation-related operations or transactions.

Our regulatory work encompasses all applicable regulatory and legal requirements, including those administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We also regularly advise aviation clients on antitrust matters, including those before the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Cozen O'Connor houses a skilled regulatory group, servicing an impressive roster of aerospace manufacturers and trade associations, as well as commercial and cargo carriers. It regularly practices before the FAA, DOT and other government agencies in all matters related to compliance, licensing and rulemaking. The team is experienced in counseling a diverse range of industry stakeholders, including a number of private equity companies investing in the aviation industry. The firm's further expertise lies in advising on the regulatory elements of airline joint ventures, alliances and M&A activity, as well as in the formation of new airlines.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cozen O'Connor advised DHL Group on the sale of its 49% ownership interest in Polar Air Cargo, a US all-cargo air carrier, to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, the parent company of Atlas Air.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Cozen O'Connor has expertise in the aviation regulatory space, responsiveness, and creativity of legal positions/arguments.

    Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA
  • The law firm is highly reliable on DOT, FAA and TSA regulatory matters, offering clear, practical guidance on everything from codeshares and designations to complex compliance issues.

    Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Aviation is a niche industry and requires insider knowledge to both understand the regulations, the people, and how the industry works. Cozen has that knowledge.

    Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1David Heffernan
    Band 1David Heffernan

    David Heffernan

    David Heffernan is highly respected in the field, and has considerable experience advising a myriad of aviation clients. He regularly handles proceedings before the FAA and DOT.
    • David is pragmatic, with great depth and knowledge of the sector.

      Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Band 2Jonathon H Foglia
    Band 2Jonathon H Foglia

    Jonathon H Foglia

    Jonathon Foglia is particularly well-versed in issues including licensing, registration and advertising standards. He represents airlines and trade associations, among other industry participants.
    • Jonathan is professional with a comprehensive business vision, combining experience and legal regulatory knowledge with a commercial vision.

      Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA
    • Jonathan is a great lawyer and advocate.

      Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Band 2Patrick Rizzi
    Band 2Patrick Rizzi

    Patrick Rizzi

    Patrick Rizzi is an experienced regulatory lawyer who acts for an impressive range of clients, including commercial airlines and UAS industry players.
    • Pat has been instrumental in handling complex legal arguments and interpretations. His sensitivity to all persons is a true asset. He listens, provides proper feedback and can communicate complex issues in easy-to-understand terms.

      Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA
  • Band 3Rachel Welford
    Band 3Rachel Welford

    Rachel Welford

    Rachel Welford advises a broad client base, including airlines, corporations and non-US carriers, on a range of regulatory and compliance matters. She has experience handling CARES Act work and obtaining authorizations from the DOT.
    • Rachel has a deep knowledge, is very practical from business perspective, responsive and available.

      Transportation: Aviation: Regulatory respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Cozen O'Connor (4)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Cozen O'Connor

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