Aviation

Aircraft finance and leasing (Cape Town Convention registrations), airline regulatory compliance with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), aviation insurance, passenger and cargo liability defence, airport concession agreements, and aviation-sector dispute resolution.

What we advise on. We advise on aircraft finance and leasing, including Cape Town Convention registrations, airline and operator regulatory compliance, aviation insurance, passenger and cargo liability, airport and ground-handling concession agreements, and aviation-sector dispute resolution. We support carriers, lessors and aviation-services businesses operating in and through Kenya’s growing aviation hub.

Governing law and regulators. Our work is grounded in the Civil Aviation Act and its regulations and Kenya’s adoption of the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, engaging the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) on licensing and registration. We coordinate with finance and insurance teams on cross-border aircraft transactions.

Who we act for. We act for airlines and air operators, aircraft lessors and financiers, airport and ground-handling concessionaires, and aviation insurers. The sector is capital-intensive and tightly regulated, and our clients need advice that is precise on both the finance and the regulatory side.

Why OLM for aviation. Aviation transactions combine high-value finance with strict regulation and international convention. We register interests correctly under the Cape Town Convention, we navigate KCAA requirements efficiently, and we bring dispute-resolution strength to liability and contractual claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kenya recognise the Cape Town Convention? Yes. Kenya is a party to the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol, which provides for the registration and protection of international interests in aircraft. We handle registrations on the International Registry and advise on enforcement.

Who regulates aviation in Kenya? The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regulates licensing, airworthiness, air-navigation services and aviation security. Airlines, operators and airports must comply with KCAA requirements and the Civil Aviation Act. We advise on licensing, compliance and regulatory engagement.

What are the rules on passenger liability for air carriers in Kenya? Kenya is a party to the Montreal Convention, which sets the liability framework for passenger injury, death, delay and baggage claims on international flights. We advise airlines on claims management and defence.