Transportation: Aviation | Canada

Bennett Jones is a prominent Calgary-headquartered law firm with an acclaimed group of financing lawyers who are praised for their deep technical understanding of the aviation industry. The team is renowned for its advice to Canadian airlines and service providers on aircraft purchases and sales, leasing, financing and debt restructuring matters. It has notable experience representing aviation infrastructure consortiums in matters relating to fuel facilities, including project development and finance. The firm is further active in related disputes, as well as providing regulatory advice. It is a popular choice among financial institutions and leasing companies.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a top law firm in the aviation space that is sought out by major manufacturers, lessors and investors. The aviation and aerospace team advises on aircraft finance as well as general commercial and tax matters, restructuring and insurance relating to aviation. Its lawyers also provide guidance on regulatory compliance and litigation matters. Clients include major financiers, as well as companies in the mining and agriculture sectors.

Stikeman Elliott has a highly rated Canadian transportation law practice that is supported by the firm's tax and litigation teams. Its aviation group regularly advises industry players on a wide range of matters including aircraft and equipment financing and leasing, leveraging the firm's strong capital markets and finance groups. The team also acts on contentious aviation matters including contractual disputes and product liability claims. Its clients include leading airlines, aircraft manufacturers and financial institutions. Operating primarily out of Montréal, the maritime group provides expert advice on ship construction and financing, marine insurance, commercial transactions and regulatory matters. The firm's expertise further includes acting for hull, liability and energy insurers on domestic trade and in the Canadian offshore industries.

Borden Ladner Gervais is a national law firm with a first-class cross-sector transportation team advising clients on the full spectrum of maritime law, including ship construction, finance, purchases and sales, terminal operations, insolvency proceedings, cargo claim defence, charter party disputes, and environmental matters such as fuel oil spills. It offers coverage across Canada, with its offices in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver playing key roles in the shipping arena, and its Team North initiative offering advice on shipping in the Arctic. The firm also operates a well-regarded aviation practice, with particular experience in aerospace disputes and claims. It possesses an especially strong reputation in cases involving fatal aircraft accidents and aerospace product liability concerns. Additionally, its rail practice has been growing in recognition, as the team regularly assists clients with regulatory matters and rail accident-related litigation.

Burnet Duckworth & Palmer is a Calgary-based law firm with broad financing and securities expertise. Its aviation team acts for financial institutions, manufacturers, airlines, lessors and charter companies, assisting with the leasing and purchasing of aircraft and aircraft-related assets, as well as regulatory and compliance issues in the field. Its lawyers additionally advise on aviation-related tax and environmental matters.

Gowling WLG is commended for providing full-service legal support to the aviation industry. It provides advice on matters ranging from acquisitions, leasing and financing to regulatory compliance and litigation, as well as day-to-day operations, IP and employment matters. The aviation, aerospace and defence group is also known for its expertise in airport infrastructure as well as specialty craft and equipment such as helicopters, drones and simulators. Its client roster includes national and international carriers, manufacturers and financial institutions.

Norton Rose Fulbright is an international firm that excels in shipping and is increasingly present on aviation matters in Canada. On the maritime front, the firm has a strong tradition of handling ship building, financing and acquisition, marine insurance, cargo claims and pollution matters, offering additional expertise in environmental and pollution mandates. It regularly represents ship owners, terminal operators, shipyards, insurers, banks and government entities. The aviation group is renowned for acting for major Canadian airlines, aircraft manufacturers, financial institutions and airport authorities on transactional matters, including asset financing and leasing. It also provides guidance to aviation stakeholders on product liability, insurance and general litigation.