Strategic Introduction
Aviation is the critical catalyst for Nigeria’s economic integration, tourism growth, and national connectivity within Africa’s rapidly expanding air transport network. It is a sector defined by immense opportunity, stringent international regulations, and capital-intensive operations. Success requires not only commercial vision but also legal expertise that ensures regulatory legitimacy and protects high-value assets.
We secure air rights and protect aviation assets, providing expert navigation through complex international treaties, rigorous safety regulations, and high-stakes commercial operations. From advising a startup airline to secure its AOC and regulatory approvals from the NCAA, to assisting a global lessor to structure and document complex aircraft financing and leasing transactions, to representing government entities to negotiate bilateral air service agreements, our counsel is strategic, operational, and commercially decisive.
The high-risk, highly regulated nature of aviation demands a legal partner that transforms complexity into secure, commercially viable operations. At Hendon Partners, we deliver this through proactive regulatory strategy and robust transactional expertise. Our deep bench of lawyers provides comprehensive guidance across the full aviation spectrum, underpinned by practical, day-to-day knowledge of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and key international frameworks, including the Chicago Convention, the Cape Town Convention, and the Montreal Convention.
We serve as a strategic extension of our clients’ teams, ensuring their ventures are built on legally sound foundations, their assets are protected, and their growth is sustained in one of Africa’s most competitive markets.
We provide strategic counsel to a comprehensive range of stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem:
- Domestic, Regional, and International Airlines
- Aircraft Lessors, Financiers, and Investors
- Airport Operators, Managers, and Concessionaires
- Aviation Service Providers (MROs, Ground Handlers, Fuel Suppliers, Caterers)
- Aviation Insurers and Reinsurers
- Government Aviation Agencies and Ministries
- Investors in Aviation Infrastructure and Technology
Our comprehensive legal expertise and services in the aviation sector include:
Regulatory Compliance & Airline Operations
We ensure our clients operate with full regulatory legitimacy, mitigating risk from the outset.
- Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) acquisition and renewal
- NCAA and FAAN compliance audits, advisory, and representation
- Regulatory licensing for aviation service providers
- Advice on Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) and international standards
- Representation in regulatory investigations and enforcement actions
- Wet/dry lease agreement structuring and regulatory approval
Aircraft Finance, Leasing & Transactions
We structure and secure high-value asset transactions in alignment with global best practices and Nigerian law.
- Aircraft and engine acquisition, financing, and leasing (Operating/Finance Leases)
- Sale and leaseback transactions
- Registration, deregistration, and repossession actions
- Cape Town Convention registrations and advisory with the Nigerian Aviation Registry
- Tax and customs duty structuring for aircraft imports
- Technical records and redelivery condition negotiations
Airport Infrastructure & Concessions
We facilitate the development and efficient management of critical aviation infrastructure.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concessions and agreements
- Joint venture structuring for airport development and management
- Terminal and cargo facility lease negotiations
- Ground handling and fueling service agreements
- Regulatory compliance for airport operations and security
Commercial Contracts & Liability Management
We draft and negotiate the contracts that govern daily operations and limit liability exposure.
- Airline commercial agreements (interline, codeshare, block space)
- Passenger and cargo liability management under the Montreal Convention
- Service agreements with MROs, ground handlers, and caterers
- Aviation fuel supply (into-plane) agreements
- Technology and distribution agreements (GDS, booking systems)
Dispute Resolution & Insurance Recovery
We provide robust advocacy to resolve operational disputes and maximize insurance recovery.
- Litigation and arbitration arising from aircraft accidents, incidents, and liability claims
- Insurance policy review, claim preparation, and recovery strategies
- Disputes with regulators, lessors, lessees, and service providers
- Passenger and third-party liability claims defense
- Contractual and commercial dispute resolution
Navigate the Nigerian aviation landscape with confidence, backed by the seasoned legal practitioners at Hendon Partners.
Contact our Aviation Practice Group to secure your operations and assets.