One of the core strengths of the firm is our Aviation Practice.  We maintain one of the largest and most comprehensive aviation law practices in Canada and have been consistently identified as one of Canada’s top firms for aviation. Our lawyers are also consistently recognized as leaders in their fields.

Our worldwide client base includes domestic and international airlines, fixed and rotary wing charter operators, maintenance facilities, flight schools and the insurers for each of these organizations.  Our multi-jurisdictional teams of lawyers are committed to providing superior legal advice in a cost-effective and cohesive manner across the country.  Our lawyers are qualified to practice in different provinces and regularly appear in the courts of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.

Alexander Holburn’s Aviation Practice provides clients with comprehensive services on a broad range of aviation law issues.  Our team acts on matters relating to all aspects of regulatory, licensing, tariff drafting/revision (international, domestic, charter, passenger and cargo), charter and lease agreements, corporate/commercial services, emergency response preparedness, airline claims handling, aircraft accident litigation, employment, immigration, environmental, and product liability issues.  We bring decades of experience within the province of British Columbia as well as nationally and internationally.

Our Services

Regulatory

Our team acts on matters relating to all aspects of regulatory, licensing, tariff drafting/revision (international, domestic, charter, passenger and cargo), charter and lease agreements, and corporate/commercial services. We also assist clients with issues involving airworthiness, certification, registration, deregistration, and import/export matters.

Administrative Proceedings

We regularly make representations to or appear before regulatory and administrative authorities, including:

  • Transport Canada
  • The Canadian Transportation Agency
  • The Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
  • The Transportation Safety Board of Canada
  • The Office of the Coroner
  • The Medical Review Board

Corporate Services

We are experienced in registering aircraft within British Columbia for personal property security purposes and in drafting, negotiating and reviewing transportation-related contracts and documents including:

  • Documents of carriage
  • Airport facility lease agreements
  • Maintenance and airport handling agreements
  • Aircraft and equipment purchases
  • Sale and lease agreements and cargo sales agreements

We advise on vehicle, aircraft and operator licensing, immigration matters for offshore clients and general corporate and environmental law matters.

Commercial

Our knowledge of the aviation business makes us effective in pursuing or defending and resolving claims arising out of aircraft and equipment purchase agreements, sale and lease agreements, accounts collection and enforcement of property rights.

Emergency Response Preparedness

We assist airlines and charter operators in developing appropriate emergency response preparedness plans and systems to ensure operational continuity and effective conduct in the event of a serious incident occurring.

Employment Law

Our sensitivity to the aviation workplace of both large airlines and small rotary wing operators allows us to advise our clients on employment law matters including the Employment Standards Act, the Workers Compensation Act, the Human Rights Act, the Canada Labour Code and other employement-related legislation.

We also draft and interpret employment contracts, defend wrongful dismissal actions and appear before the federal and provincial labour authorities, human rights councils and the courts.

Environmental Law

We advise our aviation clients on the legal aspects of carrying, storing and handling hazardous materials, provide representation before the regulatory authorities concerned with the environmental impact of aviation operations and defend clients charged with environmental offences. We are experienced in defending and resolving chemical drift cases.

Related Transportation Services – Maritime, Rail, Trucking

Several other members of our firm complement our aviation practice with experience in other aspects of transportation law including maritime, rail and trucking and freight forwarding. Clients requiring legal assistance involving intermodal transport or with any of these specific industries can receive appropriate referrals through our aviation group.

 A picture of four of our aviation insurance professionals

Industry Involvement

Members of our Aviation Practice are actively involved in:

  • The British Columbia Aviation Council
  • The Aviation Insurance Association
  • The Helicopter Association of Canada
  • Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
  • The Northern Air Transport Association
  • American Bar Association, Forum on Air and Space Law
  • International Air Transport Association
  • Canadian Bar Association – National and Provincial Sections
  • The British Columbia Float Plane Operators Association