It is an astonishing paradox that the industry in the forefront of promoting international commerce and integration should be subject to antiquated rules that hinder cross-border investment and expansion.

Who's Who Legal interviews Julian Homerstone, general manager of legal affairs at Virgin Atlantic Airways, Britain's second largest carrier. He discusses the requirements of his role and the relationship between private and in-house aviation legal practice.

Aviation lawyer, P Nikolai Ehlers of Ehlers, Ehlers & Partner discusses the bureaucracy surrounding the application on EU law in the aviation sector.

Sean Gates and Jeremy Robinson of Gates and Partners evaluate the meaning and effect of policy changes in the UK aviation regulatory regime.

The International Who’s Who of Aviation Lawyers has brought together four of the leading practitioners in the world to discuss key issues facing lawyers today.

Our research indicates that Singapore does not possess a large pool of aviation lawyers. What our findings do uncover, however, is that the seven individuals profiled in this chapter are not only well-known on the domestic scene but – judging by the levels of international nominations – are also some of the most respected practitioners in the global market.

Our research has uncovered 19 individuals from 16 firms who are recognised by clients and peers as pre-eminent for their aviation work. These lawyers represent a range of clients including airlines, insurers, engine and component manufacturers, and airports. However, practices differ greatly from individual to individual and firm to firm. A number of the most highly regarded practitioners focus on the commercial side of the industry, offering advice on areas such as aircraft purchase, sale, leasing and financing, alliances and joint ventures, as well as airline start-ups. Others specialise in contentious liability matters, such as those arising from major disasters.

According to Fortune magazine’s 2007 ranking of America’s largest corporations by revenue, four of the country’s largest companies within the aviation industry are headquartered in Texas – AMR, Continental Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Express Jet Holdings. Geneva based Airports Council International, a trade group for the world’s commercial aviation industry, lists Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as the sixth busiest airport in the world with Houston coming in at No. 18. This, coupled with strong industry links to Texas, ensures that a number of the practice area’s leading lights practice in the state. Nineteen of these are included in this chapter, the majority of whom specialise in litigation and contentious liability matters arising out of major accidents.

The lawyers featured in this chapter are, according to our research, the most respected in the state for work relating to the aviation industry. Their practices differ considerably from firm to firm. For example, one might focus on the commercial side, offering advice on areas such as aircraft purchase, sale, leasing and financing, alliances and joint ventures, and airline start-ups. Another may, however, specialise in contentious liability matters such as those arising from major accidents.