As the global aviation industry’s center shifts towards the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand’s aviation sector continues to experience sustained growth.

Total air traffic, local aircraft fleet numbers, movement of cargo and passenger numbers through Thai airports have all risen steadily in recent years. Sector growth forecasts also remain strong, despite airlines and other industry sector participants facing operating margin pressures due to factors including the rising costs of fuel and labour.

Siam Premier’s aviation practice has a deep understanding of the aviation industry, and regularly advises airlines (national, low cost and private carriers) on the full spectrum of matters facing their operations, including aircraft leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, day-to-day regulatory, licensing and corporate matters, and where required, cross-border arbitrations and administrative proceedings, where we act as Thai counsel.

We also advise some of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, private aviation companies, financiers and leasing companies on all aspects of aviation transactions including financing, leasing, and the sale and purchase of aircraft and other aviation related assets including helicopters, aircraft engines and components. Where necessary, we also advise aviation companies, financiers and lessors on domestic and cross-border aircraft recovery and repossessions, and related disputes.

Our aviation sector expertise includes advising on:

• Air cargo and transport
• Aircraft acquisitions, financing and leasing
• Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
• Aircraft recovery and repossessions
• Airline operations and management
• Air operator certificates (AOCs)
• Airport development and construction
• Aviation regulatory matters, competition and antitrust
• Aviation dispute resolution
• Commercial agreements
• Commercial and private aviation