Galindo, Arias & López remains a standout in the field of aviation finance, with a particular strength in advising airlines, including Panamanian flag carrier Copa Airlines as well as an array of foreign carriers. The team frequently advises on the acquisition, financing and leasing of aircraft, drawing on its close links with international firms to handle high-profile, cross-border transactions, and also assists with corporate and regulatory matters, such as the certification of cargo and passenger airlines. Cristina Lewis, who is renowned for her experience in aviation finance, leads the team. The key names at junior level are consultant Daniel Sessa, who has significant expertise in commercial and financing issues in the aviation sector, and regulatory-focused associate Claudia Juárez.

The ‘excellent‘ aviation team at Pardini & Asociados is commended for its wide-ranging expertise in the sector, which spans transactional, regulatory and contentious matters. The firm is particularly sought after by international clients for its expertise in aviation-related litigation, with an emphasis on cases involving liability for damages caused to cargo. In addition, the team assists an impressive client roster of international airlines with contractual and regulatory issues relating to their operations in Panama. Practice co-head Juan José Espino focuses on aviation disputes, while fellow department head Juan Francisco Pardini is the name to note for corporate, financial and regulatory matters. At the associate level, senior attorney Eduardo Achurra handles regulatory and permitting issues, and attorney Adrián Rivera provides key support in litigation.

As the Panamanian member of L2b Aviation, a global network of independent aviation law firms, Patton, Moreno & Asvat is well positioned to advise a host of international clients, including commercial and private airlines, creditors, lessors and lessees, on aviation matters. Aviation finance is among the core areas of expertise for the team, which routinely handles the acquisition, sale and leasing of aircraft; other notable strengths include aircraft registration, permitting and regulatory matters, and civil and commercial disputes. Practice head María de Lourdes Marengo is a high-profile name for aviation finance, as well as commercial and regulatory issues in the sector.

Hailed by clients for its ‘extensive industry knowledge‘, the ‘exceptional group of attorneys‘ at Delvalle, Escalona, Levy & Corró continues to rapidly expand its aviation law practice, acting for a growing list of international and regional airlines, aviation leasing companies and international aviation associations. The team is particularly skilled in advising new and established airlines on the regulatory issues relating to the launch of their Panamanian branches, including registration and obtaining air operator certificates (AOCs). It also assists large foreign carriers with day-to-day regulatory, corporate, labour and tax issues affecting their operations in Panama, supported by the multidisciplinary firm’s other departments. Felipe Escalona, who wins praise for ‘perfectly meeting‘ clients’ requirements, leads the team.