The Aviation and Logistics sectors are pivotal to global connectivity, trade, and economic development. In Saudi Arabia, these industries are undergoing a historic transformation, driven by the ambitious National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a preeminent global logistics hub connecting three continents. This dynamic environment encompasses airlines, airports, shipping, ports, and integrated logistics services, all operating within a complex framework of international conventions and evolving local regulations. Success in these capital-intensive and operationally intricate sectors demands specialized legal expertise capable of navigating multi-jurisdictional challenges and supporting sophisticated commercial endeavors.
Given the high-value assets, international nature, stringent safety and regulatory regimes, and complex contractual matrix involved, specialized legal counsel is indispensable for all participants in the Aviation and Logistics value chain. Expert legal support is crucial for:
Navigating Complex Regulatory Frameworks:
The aviation sector is governed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia, alongside numerous international treaties. Similarly, maritime and logistics operations fall under the purview of authorities like the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) and the Transport General Authority (TGA), requiring adherence to both local laws and international maritime conventions. Expert lawyers ensure compliance, manage licensing, and advise on new regulatory developments.
Managing High-Value Asset Transactions:
Legal counsel is essential for aircraft and vessel financing, purchase, sale, and leasing; registration; and managing associated liens and encumbrances.
Structuring Sophisticated Commercial Agreements:
From airline alliances, aircraft wet/dry leases, and MRO contracts to charterparties, shipbuilding agreements, freight forwarding contracts, and complex third-party logistics (3PL) agreements, precise and robust contracts are vital.
Ensuring Operational Compliance and Safety:
Advising on safety regulations, security protocols, environmental compliance, liability issues, and emergency response is critical
Resolving Complex, Cross-Border Disputes:
Disputes, when they arise, are often multi-jurisdictional and technically complex. Experienced legal representation in litigation, arbitration (e.g., LMAA, ICC), or mediation is key to protecting interests.
As Saudi Arabia massively invests in new airports (like King Salman International Airport), expands its airline fleets (e.g., Saudia, Riyadh Air), develops its port infrastructure, and creates specialized logistics zones, the need for astute and experienced legal partners is paramount.
SHP Law's aviation and logistics team excels in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions and disputes within these dynamic sectors. We provide comprehensive, pragmatic, and commercially focused legal services to a wide range of clients integral to the aviation, maritime, and broader logistics industry in Saudi Arabia and across the region.
Our clients appreciate our ability to provide holistic commercial advice and include:
Airlines (passenger and cargo)
Aircraft Owners, Operators, Lessors, and Financiers
Airports, Ports, and Terminal Operators
Shipowners, Charterers, and Ship Managers
Shipyards and Marine Construction Companies
Logistics Providers (including freight forwarders, warehouse operators, and 3PL/4PL providers)
Insurers and P&I Clubs
Our Comprehensive Advisory and Dispute Resolution Services:
Regulatory Compliance: Advising on compliance with GACA regulations, international aviation conventions (Chicago, Montreal, Cape Town), maritime laws (IMO conventions, local shipping acts), customs regulations, and transport laws. This includes licensing, operational permits, safety standards, and environmental rules.
Contract Negotiation and Drafting: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of sector-specific contracts, including:
Aviation: Aircraft purchase, sale, finance and lease agreements (dry, wet, damp), engine leases, MRO contracts, ground handling agreements, air cargo contracts, and charter agreements.
Maritime: Charterparties (voyage, time, bareboat), shipbuilding and repair contracts, bills of lading, contracts of affreightment, towage contracts, and ship sale and purchase (MoA) agreements.
Logistics: Freight forwarding agreements, warehousing contracts, transport service agreements, and integrated logistics solutions contracts
Asset Finance and Transactions: Advising on aircraft and vessel financing (including Islamic finance structures), registration, re-registration, and de-registration, as well as sale and leaseback transactions
Claims, Defences, and Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in a variety of aviation and maritime disputes, including cargo claims, passenger claims, hull damage, charterparty disputes, salvage, general average, collisions, pollution incidents, personal injury, and contractual disagreements. We offer customized strategies aimed at efficient resolution through litigation in Saudi courts, international arbitration, or mediation, and focus on the prevention of future conflict.
Specialized Expertise:
Aviation: Aircraft financing and acquisition, regulatory compliance (GACA and international), passenger and cargo liability, accident investigation support, and dispute resolution.
Maritime: All aspects of wet and dry shipping including chartering, shipping logistics and supply chain management, vessel construction and financing, collision and casualty liability, salvage and wreck removal, marine pollution, customs and international trade law, and marine insurance.
SHP Law possesses unparalleled expertise in both international and local laws pertinent to the aviation and logistics sectors. We ensure our advice is not only legally sound but also pragmatic, commercially focused, and tailored to support our clients' success in Saudi Arabia's rapidly advancing transport and logistics ecosystem.