Transportation: Aviation
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 863 2400About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blakes has Canada’s largest aviation and aerospace law practice, and with it comes the expertise and experience to help our clients navigate the complex and challenging world of aviation law and regulation. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals with backgrounds in the aviation industry, commercially trained pilots, and former officers and managers of various aviation businesses.
Those in the Canadian and international aviation and aerospace industries retain us because we understand their unique business, legal challenges, and the business environment and regulatory frameworks within which they operate. Blakes team members are heavily involved in the Aviation Working Group (AWG), a leading industry association comprised of most major aviation manufacturers, financial institutions and leasing companies.
Our transactional practice focuses on aircraft and engine finance, airport infrastructure, aviation/aerospace mergers and acquisitions, aviation/aerospace procurement, business and general aviation, satellite financing, and aviation bankruptcy and restructuring matters.
Our regulatory and advisory practice focuses on Transport Canada and Canadian transportation certification and regulatory matters, aviation/aerospace tax, insurance, and drones. Blakes is the first Canadian law firm to build a practice focused on drones. Our lawyers have the expertise needed to advise on all issues that are likely to arise as drones increasingly become a part of everyday life.
Chambers Review
Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a top law firm in the aviation space that is sought out by major manufacturers, lessors and investors. The aviation and aerospace team advises on aircraft finance as well as general commercial and tax matters, restructuring and insurance relating to aviation. Its lawyers also provide guidance on regulatory compliance and litigation matters. Clients include major financiers, as well as companies in the mining and agriculture sectors.
Work Highlights
- Blakes, Cassels & Graydon counselled the Aviation Working Group on all aspects of the preparation of a Cross-Border Transferability Practitioner’s Guide.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I think they are the best aviation counsel in Canada. They are very responsive and knowledgeable about Canadian aviation law and recent developments."
"Blakes’ partners were always available and consistently provided pragmatic and sound advice."
"They are always quick to turn around documentation on tight timelines and they come up with creative solutions for us."
"There is not an element of Canadian aviation law that the team cannot deal with swiftly."
"Blakes are fantastic and know all of the players on the opposite side, so they can anticipate what they will ask for."
"I think they are the best aviation counsel in Canada. They are very responsive and knowledgeable about Canadian aviation law and recent developments."
"Blakes’ partners were always available and consistently provided pragmatic and sound advice."
"They are always quick to turn around documentation on tight timelines and they come up with creative solutions for us."
"There is not an element of Canadian aviation law that the team cannot deal with swiftly."
"Blakes are fantastic and know all of the players on the opposite side, so they can anticipate what they will ask for."
Notable Practitioners
Auriol Marasco counts major airlines and leasing corporations among her base of clients. Her highly respected Toronto-based practice spans across the purchase, sale and financing of aircraft, as well as regulatory issues within the aerospace industry.
"Auriol tirelessly advised us on aviation matters. She expertly managed the client relationship, provided great guidance and found creative options to facilitate her client’s interests."
"She is very practical and also a pleasure to work with."
"Auriol Marasco is fantastic."
"She is an outstanding professional."
Jason MacIntyre is highly regarded for the strength of his practice in aviation finance, which sees him act on a variety of aircraft financing and leasing matters. He is also experienced in regulatory concerns, particularly with regard to aircraft operating licences. He is based in Toronto.
"Jason MacIntyre is well versed in aircraft financing and commercial transactions and is a pleasure to work with."
"He is very personable and wonderful to work with, and he has a great team. He cuts to the chase and understands the heart of the issue."
"Jason is well known in the industry, which always provides a sense of gravitas."
"I always enjoy working with Jason as he is responsive and commercial."
Anne Drost focuses her practice on the rail industry and has represented clients in a range of matters, including real estate commercial transactions and major construction projects of rail facilities. She also often handles regulatory proceedings before the Canadian Transportation Agency.
"She brings a high degree of expertise to the files. Beyond that, she has an incredibly effective deskside manner that brings the best out of the client."
"Anne has a great understanding of the industry and is able to provide the necessary practical advice as needed."
"She is exceptionally talented, insightful and responsive. She always ensures we are on the right track and that we have fully considered the breadth of issues and angles."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Nationwide - Canada