Aviation
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : India
Band 1
About
Provided by Wadia Ghandy & Co
The Firm has a robust aviation practice that focuses on aircraft, purchase, sale, leasing and financing of aircraft/helicopters, aircraft engines and aircraft spares, protection of ownership and financiers’ rights in aircraft, enforcement of rights including repossession of aircraft and representation of our clients in insolvency proceedings against Indian airline companies.
We had the first-mover advantage since we have been involved in drafting of the first aircraft leases and related documentation as well as the first repossessions of aircraft from private airlines in India.
Our clients include owners, financiers, lessors and providers/servicers of various types of aircraft equipment/parts.
Chambers Review
Wadia Ghandy & Co is regarded by market sources as a top aviation law practice in India. Its stellar team maintains a strong focus on aviation finance, representing leading lessors and financial institutions on high-value financings, sale and leaseback deals and refinancings. It also advises clients on the repossession of aircraft and the termination of lease agreements. Wadia Ghandy & Co's aviation team primarily operates from the firm's Mumbai office.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are always very on top of the situation and give us strong, commercial advice."
"They are knowledgeable and up to date on all developments and nuances."
"They are always very on top of the situation and give us strong, commercial advice."
"They are knowledgeable and up to date on all developments and nuances."
Notable Practitioners
Marylou Bilawala heads the Wadia Ghandy & Co aviation law department in Mumbai. She is highly respected for representing leading lessors and banks in aviation finance deals.
"Marylou Bilawala is very strong and very proactive. She is very responsive and commercial as well, rather than just sticking to legal points."
Dhruv Khanna is well regarded for his aircraft finance practice, including acting for international lessors on leasing transactions. He is a key member of Wadia Ghandy & Co's Mumbai-based aviation team.