Gibraltar Aviation Registration Services

Hassans International Law Firm Limited is a leading law firm in the provision of aviation related legal services in the market, having assisted in the drafting of the Civil Aviation Act 2024, which enables the development of services in aviation in Gibraltar.  An important element of these developments will include the creation of a Gibraltar Aviation Register. Provision for all regulatory/legal aspects relevant to the creation of the Gibraltar Aviation Register are provided for in the Act.

As a specialist onshore finance centre with all the legal and structuring solutions modern high net worth and holding company clients need, Gibraltar will, by virtue of the many fiscal, taxation and efficiency advantages it offers, soon represent a new and compelling option for the registration of aircraft by both private and corporate aircraft owners.  The ability to register an aircraft in Gibraltar rounds out the asset registration services possibilities in Gibraltar, given the existence of a Red Ensign superyacht registry already available here.

In connection with these developing aviation related services that will be available in Gibraltar, Hassans can leverage its market leading position to offer the full range of related services, including:

Corporate and Commercial Services, such as:

• SPV Incorporation and Structuring: Assisting aviation clients with setting up or re-domiciling Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for aircraft or asset ownership.
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Aircraft Finance: Representing parties in aircraft acquisition and finance transactions such as banks, owners, manufacturers, and leasing companies, with a focus on SPV-based financing.
• Transaction and Security Documentation: Drafting and negotiating essential documents, including aircraft leasing agreements, mortgages, and other related securities, ensuring compliance with registration requirements.
• Legal Opinions: Delivering opinions on transactions, security perfection, and the enforceability of securities for Gibraltar-registered aircraft.
• Escrow Services: Providing secure escrow services for transaction safeguarding.
• Tax Advice: Strategic tax planning and advice for both private individuals and corporate holding structures.

Litigation and Insurance services include:

• Litigation and Insolvency: Enforcement advice, breach of contract, debt recovery actions, aircraft arrest and repossessions, and handling insolvency proceedings.
• Aviation Insurance: Guidance on liability insurance policies, advising on loss or damage to aircraft, and operational liabilities.

Private Client Services in the aviation context cover the full range of a private client’s needs, including:

• Residency and Employment: Support with Category 2 Status/HEPSS and other residency applications, along with employment law advice.
• Family Office Services: Consultation on establishing or relocating family offices to Gibraltar.
• Company Management: Services covering incorporation, management, and re-domiciliation of companies.
• Trusts/Funds and Probate: Advice on re-domiciliation or establishment of trusts/funds and wills and probate matters.
• Property and Superyacht Services: Support for aviation clients in property purchases and advice on superyacht ownership and berthing.
• Ongoing Support: Continuous legal advice and support in corporate and commercial matters for aviation clients.