We bring extensive experience with corporate aircraft matters and a background in aircraft operations, corporate and business law to every transaction. We help you navigate the tangled web of personalities, agendas, regulations, requirements and issues involved with an aircraft purchase or sale in an orderly and efficient manner.
Transaction Highlights
Negotiated the purchase of one of the first Boeing Business Jets and Bombardier Global Express aircraft, and the first operational Eurocopter EC 155B VIP-configured helicopter delivered in the United States.
Representing an aircraft owner in connection with arrangements for having its aircraft appear in the MGM major motion picture James Bond 007 Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig.
Represented aircraft owner in connection with the simultaneous fleet transition involving the acquisition and trade in of 12 business aircraft.
Represented aircraft owner in connection with the acquisition of Dassault Falcon 900 as part of synthetic lease financing and reverse 1031 exchange involving synthetic lease.
Business Aviation Resources
Aircraft Acquisition Process
Understanding the aircraft acquisition process is important in order to avoid common pitfalls and costly mistakes.
Personal Use
Understand the effect of personal use on an executive and company, and strategies for addressing income tax issues.
Letters of Intent/Offers to Purchase
Letters of intent are an important start to most aircraft transactions, and failing to give them the proper attention can create costly misunderstandings.
Aircraft Registration
In order to register an aircraft with the FAA, an individual or company must meet specific requirements. There are methods available for non-U.S. citizens to register aircraft with the FAA.
Public Companies
Public Companies have unique concerns when purchasing corporate aircraft and structuring their operations, including from the perspective of SEC disclosure of non-business use, security and confidentiality.
Import / Export
Acquiring an aircraft currently registered outside the United States takes careful planning and requires answering some fundamental threshold questions. Exporting aircraft may not require the payment of duty, but failure to make appropriate customs entries can be costly.
Sales and Use Tax
Planning opportunities exist that can defer or even eliminate the imposition of sales and use taxes in almost every state.
The Right Team
In addition to aviation counsel, a successful transaction requires having experienced aviation professionals and tax advisors.
The Dilemma of Single Purpose Entities
Our attorneys are experienced with helping clients navigate the often counter-intuitive rules of the FAA and other regulatory authorities.
Financing Options
When acquiring an aircraft, several financing alternatives are available. Which is right for you?
THE RIGHT TEAM. THE RIGHT DEAL.
We don’t believe in the no-win scenario. Aviation transactions are fluid and can change quickly. We are ready to adapt and find a solution.
- Stewart Lapayowker