The pandemic has hit African aviation hard, and if it is to recover support from governments and development financial institutions will be critical.

In 2018 air transport supported 7.7 million jobs and contributed USD 63 billion to the African economy. As the industry begins its recovery, there will be plenty of opportunities, but informed and insightful advice is vital for successful investment.

ALN has a well-developed, pan-African aviation practice. Our cross-disciplinary approach and substantial industry knowledge put us in a unique position to navigate the complexities our clients are facing. The experience developed by our lawyers representing airlines and operating lessors, their debt and equity financiers, manufacturers and multiple export credit gives them a clear understanding and perspective of the myriad issues that successful financings in this sector must creatively and effectively address.

Representative transactions include advising:

 

  1. Kenya Airways

    In connection with the proposed concession of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which it will maintain and develop as well as taking over the staff and operations of the Kenya Airports Authority.

  2. FastJet

    On transactional and litigation matters arising out of the acquisition of a controlling interest in Fly 540, and expansion projects throughout Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa.

  3. A Gulf-based company

    In connection with its acquisition of shares of a Sudanese company in the aviation industry.

  1. RwandAir

    In connection with the resolution of employment disputes arising out of termination of employees and facilitation of negotiations with the concerned employees.

  2. A client

    In connection with its joint investment with the Ethiopian Airlines Group for the purpose of multimodal transport exploiting and developing freight forwarding by air, land and sea, customs clearance and warehousing and other logistics activities in Ethiopia.

  3. A consortium of companies

    In connection with investment into a Kenyan airline, including advising on aviation law and regulations, the first ever private Chinese investment into the private aviation sector in Kenya.