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Aviation, Aerospace & Transportation - Regulatory

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Charles F. Donley II
Partner, Washington, DC
T: +1.202.663.8448
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Areas of Focus

Chambers USA 2024 and Chambers Global 2023 recognize Pillsbury’s Aviation capabilities, citing our “substantial aviation regulatory team” that is "attentive, responsive and available" and noting our experience advising on the "full gamut of aviation finance matters."

Comprising lawyers with extensive government experience and decades of industry practice, Pillsbury’s Aviation, Aerospace & Transportation – Regulatory team advises on complex regulatory and enforcement matters and represents clients before government agencies including the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Communications Commission and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. We routinely advise airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturers and operators, and travel distributors worldwide on aviation-related regulatory matters and represent them in litigation. Our practice also covers certification, administrative adjudication, rulemakings, legislation, enforcement, antitrust, environmental, export and other licensing, customs, airline safety, accident investigations and public policy advocacy. Our aviation practice is renowned for our work in advising and assisting large domestic and foreign clients, including airlines, aerospace manufacturers and travel distributors regarding all aviation regulatory matters.

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Linked by advanced communications technology, aviation lawyers throughout our firm work closely with team members in our DC-area offices to create synergies on all aviation law matters, enhance efficiencies, and speed access to federal regulatory agencies and Capitol Hill.

Our regulatory work includes all aspects of:

  • Regulatory and Compliance
  • Airline Ownership and Restructuring
  • Antitrust
  • Public-Private Partnerships
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Travel Distribution
  • City and Airport Representation
  • Obstruction Evaluation
  • Aviation Security
  • Aerospace Manufacturers and Repair Stations
  • Environmental

Representative Experience

  • Represented and counseled Asian, Latin American and European airlines in code sharing, bilateral, safety oversight, and commercial and antitrust issues related to strategic alliances involving American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Air Lines.
  • Advised regarding statutes and policies restricting foreign investment in U.S. carriers, the sale of route authority and the legality of third parties obtaining security interests in international route certificates and airport slots held by other carriers.
  • Represented Asian, European and Latin American low-fare carriers before the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, CBP and TSA in obtaining all approvals to operate to the U.S.

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  • Represented a major U.S. carrier in negotiations leading to the long-term lease of Brazil operating frequencies.
  • Represented Chinese-foreign joint venture carriers before the U.S. Department of Transportation, FAA, CBP and TSA in obtaining all approvals to operate to the U.S.
  • Represented a major U.S. carrier in an exchange of airport slots for U.S.-Brazil operating frequencies.
  • Represented a major Asia-based airline in a DOJ criminal antitrust price fixing investigation.
  • Represented a major South America-based airline in a DOJ criminal antitrust price fixing investigation and subsequent civil lawsuits.
  • Advised aircraft equipment manufacturers supplying components to a China-based aircraft manufacturer.
  • Represented an Asia-based carrier in negotiations with a major U.S. carrier and its affiliates in connection with participation in a major new customer loyalty program.
  • Represented a consortium of Latin American carriers before the U.S. Department of Transportation and Department of State in obtaining approval of the first use of a single airline code and trade name by multiple carriers.
  • Represented an Asia-based low-fare startup carrier in obtaining all approvals to operate new service to China and Japan.
  • Advised global carriers regarding compliance with proposed U.S. Department of Transportation regulations pertaining to the transportation of disabled passengers and consumer protection.
  • Advised a major Japan-based carrier on day-to-day U.S. regulatory requirements, bilateral negotiations and alliance matters.
  • Represented a large U.S.-based internet travel site with respect to antitrust and other regulatory issues.
  • Represented U.S. and non-U.S. carriers before the U.S. Department of Transportation in enforcement cases alleging violations of advertising guidelines, cabotage, licensing requirements and reporting obligations.

Practice Area Highlights

  • Recognized by Chambers USA (2023 – 2024) for Aviation: Regulatory (Band 1) and Aviation: Finance (Band 2), as well as by Chambers Global 2023 for Aviation: Finance. Chambers USA commended our “distinguished practice with substantial expertise in all aviation regulatory matters.” Client testimonials praised our “strong team with years of actual hands-on experience” (Chambers USA 2023) and our team’s ability to provide “quick responses, always offering a prompt, clear and practical legal opinion. They don’t just answer questions, but solve problems” (Chambers USA 2022).
  • Ranked by The Legal 500 U.S. (2023 – 2024) for Aviation and Air Travel – Litigation and Regulation and for Aviation and Air Travel – Finance, where the firm was praised as “a go-to firm when it comes to aviation matters.”
  • Also recognized by The Legal 500 UK 2024 in Finance: Transport Finance and Leasing (2025) and by Chambers UK (2024) for Asset Finance: Aviation Finance.

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