Aviation Law
Overview
Seraphic Advisors assists clients in the acquisition and leasing of aircraft and engines, preparation and review of aviation financing documentation, foreign direct investment in the aviation sector, and advisory on the aviation regulatory landscape in India. Our aviation law practice also advises clients on making submissions to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA), including matters relating to tariff determination, and on obtaining approvals from various Government agencies, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and their respective departments. Our aviation law practice is headed by specialist and top aviation Lawyers in the firm (in a previous organisation) had worked on a claim by an Indian Company of over USD 1 billion against Airbus, France before the Queen's Bench, London arising out of the sale of freighter aircraft. who have advised on a wide range of legal and regulatory issues in the aviation sector. Our team has worked extensively with aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, leasing companies, domestic and international airlines, private airport operators, regulatory authorities, and government bodies across India.
Aviation Law and Regulatory Framework in India
Aviation operations in India are governed by a sector-specific legal and regulatory framework comprising: • The Aircraft Act, 1934, and Aircraft Rules, 1937 • Regulations, circulars, and guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) • Policies and directions issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation • Economic regulation and tariff frameworks administered by AERA • Approvals and operational requirements of the Airports Authority of India • Applicable international conventions and bilateral aviation arrangements • Foreign exchange and investment regulations governing aviation activities Our aviation lawyers advise clients on regulatory interpretation, compliance requirements, and structured engagement with aviation authorities and government agencies.
Aircraft and Engine Acquisition, Leasing,and Financing
Seraphic Advisors regularly advises clients on:
- Acquisition of aircraft, helicopters, and engines
- Leasing of aircraft and engines, including operating leases, finance leases, wet leases, and charter arrangements
- Aircraft and engine sale and purchase agreements
- Aviation financing documentation, including bank financing and structured financing arrangements
- Legal issues relating to engine-related leases
- Security creation, enforcement, and repossession of aircraft and engines
We advise foreign aircraft leasing companies leasing aircraft to Indian airlines, as well as domestic operators, financiers, and lessors, on transaction structuring and compliance under Indian law.
Foreign Direct Investment and Cross-Border Aviation Advisory
Our aviation law practice provides advisory on foreign direct investment in the aviation sector, including:
- Structuring FDI in compliance with Indian investment regulations
- FEMA and RBI compliance for aviation transactions
- Cross-border aircraft leasing and financing arrangements
- Legal issues arising from international aviation transactions and treaties
We support both Indian and international clients involved in cross-border aviation operations.
Regulatory Approvals, Submissions, and Tariff Advisory
Seraphic Advisors assists clients with:
- Submissions to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA)
- Advisory on tariff determination and airport economic regulations
- Approvals, permissions, and clearances from DGCA, AAI, and other government authorities
- Regulatory consultations and representations before aviation regulators
- Ongoing regulatory compliance and reporting obligations
Our experience includes working closely with the Aviation Ministry, its departments, and regulatory authorities, providing clients with informed and practical regulatory guidance.
Aviation Contracts and Commercial Advisory
We advise clients on drafting, review, and negotiation of aviation-related commercial agreements, including:
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) agreements
- Ground handling agreements
- Airport operation and concession agreements
- Aviation service and operational contracts
Our advisory focuses on contractual clarity, regulatory compliance, and risk allocation.
Aviation Disputes, Litigation, and Risk Management
Seraphic Advisors advises clients on aviation-related disputes and risk matters, including:
- Disputes arising from aircraft and engine leasing arrangements
- Contractual and commercial aviation disputes
- Regulatory enforcement actions
- Aviation insurance and liability matters
We represent clients before courts, tribunals, and arbitral forums in aviation-related proceedings.
Aviation Law Lawyers Across India
Aviation Law Lawyers in Delhi
- Advising on aviation regulatory matters, submissions before the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA)
- Tariff determination, and engagement with central government authorities and regulators
Aviation Law Lawyers in Mumbai
- Advising on aircraft and engine leasing, aviation financing transactions, dispute resolution
- Matters involving domestic and international airlines, lessors, and financiers
Aviation Law Lawyers in Bangalore
- Advising on aviation operations, regulatory compliance, commercial aviation agreements
- Sector-specific legal issues involving aviation service providers and operators
Why Choose Us
Aviation law practice led by specialist and top aviation lawyers in India
Experience working closely with the Aviation Ministry, regulators, and authorities
Advisory across transactions, regulation, and disputes
Pan-India aviation legal support
Proven track record with international aviation clients
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What aviation industry legal services does Seraphic Advisors provide in India?
Seraphic Advisors provides comprehensive legal advisory services to participants across the aviation industry in India, including airlines, aircraft lessors, financiers, airport operators, OEMs, MRO providers, and aviation service companies. Our services cover transactions, regulatory compliance, policy advisory, and dispute resolution.
Do you advise both Indian and international aviation clients?
Yes. We advise both Indian and international clients operating in or entering the Indian aviation sector. Our aviation lawyers regularly assist foreign airlines, leasing companies, manufacturers, and investors with India-specific regulatory, transactional, and compliance requirements.
Can you assist with aircraft and engine acquisition and leasing transactions?
Yes. As an aviation industry law firm, we advise on acquisition, leasing, and financing of aircraft and engines, including documentation, security structures, deregistration mechanisms, and compliance with Indian aviation, foreign exchange, and tax regulations.
Do you provide aviation regulatory and policy advisory services?
Yes. We advise clients on the Indian aviation regulatory framework, including DGCA regulations, Ministry of Civil Aviation policies, foreign investment rules, and sector-specific approvals. We also assist in regulatory consultations and policy submissions.
Can you represent clients before aviation regulators and authorities in India?
Yes. We represent and assist clients before aviation and sectoral authorities such as the Airports Authority of India, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA), and other government bodies in regulatory, tariff, and approval-related matters.
Do you advise on airport projects and private airport operations?
Yes. We advise airport operators and private airport developers on concession agreements, regulatory approvals, tariff determination, commercial arrangements, and ongoing operational compliance within the aviation sector.
Do you handle aviation-related disputes and litigation?
Yes. We advise and represent clients in aviation-related disputes, including regulatory disputes, contractual claims, leasing and financing disputes, insurance matters, and disputes arising from aviation operations, before courts, tribunals, and regulatory forums.
Can you assist with foreign direct investment (FDI) in the aviation sector?
Yes. We advise on structuring foreign direct investment in the aviation industry, including compliance with FEMA, sectoral caps, approval routes, and coordination with relevant government authorities.
Do you provide pan-India aviation legal support?
Yes. With offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chandigarh, Seraphic Advisors provides pan-India aviation legal advisory and representation, supporting clients across jurisdictions and aviation hubs in India.
How does Seraphic Advisors support aviation industry clients on an ongoing basis?
We provide ongoing legal advisory to aviation industry participants on regulatory compliance, contractual arrangements, policy developments, risk management, and dispute strategy, aligned with the commercial and operational realities of the aviation sector.
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