Practice Areas
BART BIGGERS, co-leader of Sidley's global Aviation and Airlines practice, is an internationally recognized advisor in transportation and infrastructure, particularly in aviation and airline transactions. Over the past two decades, he has represented both operating and investment clients in various mergers and acquisitions, commercial and cross border transactions, corporate restructurings, outsourcings, and corporate finance matters, particularly for major airlines and aviation sector participants. Throughout his career, Bart has led and continues to lead transformative transactions for some of the world's largest airlines, airports, and industry participants.
Bart's unique and profound understanding of the global aviation and airline industry has earned him a well deserved reputation as a preeminent aviation and airline lawyer. He serves as a strategic partner to a diverse range of leading airlines, aviation companies, and investors. His reputation is a testament to his quarter-century of dedication to the industry. Bart is particularly skilled in counseling major international and domestic airlines and industry participants on a wide array of transactions for virtually all functions of the aviation and airline business, including fleet management, technology operations, supply chain management, human resources, mergers and acquisitions, corporate development, real estate management, marketing and sales, distribution, hospitality, loyalty programs, operations, regional matters, fuel management, technology (hardware procurement, content and software licensing, data security, and privacy), and other business-process outsourcing transactions, as well as restructuring matters. His deep industry knowledge enables him to offer a strategic perspective that is invaluable to his clients.
Notably, Bart served as counsel to American Airlines during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, guiding the company through the complex process of assuming, rejecting, or renegotiating over 50,000 agreements. Additionally, he has successfully guided clients through the merger integration process, including creating one of the world's largest airlines. Many of Bart's transactions receive significant media attention, including major mainstream media outlets such as the Today Show and 60 Minutes.