Aviation Law
Guzman Acain LLP is one of the few Philippine law firms with in-house airline experience at the table. The practice is led by Alex Acain, former General Counsel of Wataniya Airways (Kuwait National Airways), advising airlines, lessors, lessees, ground handlers, and individual clients on aviation matters in and around the Philippines.
WHAT WE HANDLE
Aircraft Purchase & Lease Agreements — negotiation, drafting, and review for buyers, sellers, lessors, and lessees.
Financing Structures — sale-and-leaseback and pre-delivery payment (PDP) financing.
Wet Lease & ACMI Agreements — aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance lease arrangements.
Ground Handling & GSA Agreements — ground handling and general sales agency contracts.
Aviation Insurance & Claims — insurance matters, passenger claims, liability disputes, and claims and disputes falling under the coverage of the Montreal Convention.
Regulatory Compliance — representation before the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
RECENT MATTERS
Advised on a fleet acquisition of Airbus A320neo aircraft valued at approximately $2.7 billion.
Advised on a fleet acquisition of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Represented parties in long-term aircraft operating leases with AerCap and ICBC.
Delivered cross-border regulatory opinions supporting aircraft financing transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We regularly work with international lessors, lenders, and airlines on transactions and leases touching Philippine-registered aircraft or Philippine regulatory approval.
Yes, we handle individual aviation insurance and passenger claims alongside our airline and lessor work.
CONTACT US
Buying, leasing, or financing an aircraft with Philippine exposure? Talk to a founding partner with actual airline experience.
Call: (02) 8403-3478
Email: inquiries@guzmanacain.com
Representative Experience
- Airbus A320neo fleet acquisition — Represented Kuwait National Airways (Wataniya Airways) in a firm order for 25 A320neo aircraft valued at approximately $2.7 billion, finalized at the Farnborough International Airshow
- Embraer E195-E2 fleet acquisition — Represented Kuwait National Airways (Wataniya Airways) in a multi-billion-dollar purchase agreement for E195-E2 aircraft with Embraer
- Long-term operating leases — Represented Kuwait National Airways (Wataniya Airways) in long-term operating lease agreements with AerCap and ICBC covering E195-E2 fleets
- Cross-border regulatory opinions — Issued legal opinions for lessors and foreign regulatory authorities in connection with aircraft financing transactions
