We pioneered the field of Aviation Law in India since the industry was deregulated in the early 1990s.
Our extensive knowledge of aviation law combined with strong relationships, deep insights, and a rigorous approach gives our clients a distinct advantage.
RNC Legal is a 73-year-old law firm focussed on providing legal services to the Aviation Industry. We are the ‘go-to’ aviation law firm and have been widely recognised for our work and won numerous awards.
As your legal partner in aviation, our team of lawyers, paralegals, and support staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service.
Our Managing Partner, Mr. Ravi Nath, is a frequent speaker and presenter at aviation conferences and has co-authored and contributed to relevant publications on the aviation sector.
Advisors on leasing of aircraft to Indian entities, securitisation, registration, de-registration, provisions of mortgage security, finance and taxation issues, repossession, and recovery of aircraft and other related equipment.
RNC has played an advisory role in over 80% of aviation-related transactions in India.
RNC also assists clients on matters related to foreign trade, commerce, and cross-border transactions. Specific sub areas include asset finance, discounting, factoring, external commercial borrowings, letters of credit, and issues arising out of international financing transactions.
RNC is frequently engaged to advise on regulatory issues and compliances. Specific areas include settlement of loans, guarantees, inter-creditor agreements, assignments, mortgages, registration, compliance with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Guidelines, and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations.
RNC has unparalleled experience in enforcement through courts or otherwise with an unmatched rate of successful outcomes for lessors, lessees, banks, and other stakeholders for whom it has acted over the past three decades.
RNC specialises in litigation at various judicial levels, including the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, various tribunals, and regulators, and provides opinions and advice, drafting, pleading, and appearing in matters involving commercial and contractual disputes. We also specialise in alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation.
RNC has advised several leading multinationals on their Indian market entry. Specific areas include Business setup, Joint Venture agreements, and Infrastructure opportunities in aviation, telecom, power, and ports.
Clients include governments, banks, airlines, funds, leasing companies, engine manufacturers, and multinational corporations across a range of industries.
With the largest population in the world, we have only 760 civilian aircraft, compared to 3500 in China, which has a headcount that is similar to ours.
And you may be aware that we still have important cities that are not yet on the air map.
All of that describes the potential of the aviation sector.
From lessors and banks to aviation sector service providers, potential stakeholders have been doing the rounds… intently assessing the scope of their participation.
They seek reassurance about various factors… The lack of infrastructure, crew, and, of course, equipment. In the larger picture, they seek sound legal expertise even before they decide to commit to this opportunity.
That’s where we come in. Such delegations have become more frequent in the recent past. And they have been seeking meetings with us
“I’ve had the pleasure to work with the professionals at RNC for more than 20 years. RNClegal has helped us achieve successful outcomes on a variety of projects, through their deep experience, strong expertise, practical advice and responsive service.”
“Please accept these words of appreciation and praise for the skillful efforts and leadership that you and the RNC Legal team have displayed over the years as the coordinator of the Aviation Working Group’s India (now South Asia) contact group. Those skillful efforts have been central and essential to advancing best legal framework and practices in India, working through challenges and practicalities. The Indian bar looks to you for thought leadership, as do we. We look forward to that continuing close cooperation in connection with current issues and beyond.”
“Our recent work together on the complex repossession of aircraft from troubled Indian airlines has further reinforced my long-held view that RNC Legal is the preeminent aviation legal practice in India, possessing an unrivalled combination of legal expertise, experience, commercial acumen, and relationships, which led to the pragmatic and efficient resolution of a difficult situation.”
GoAir- Bankruptcy and Pratt & Whitney Engines Duration: 1.30
Legal Structures Duration: 1.09
Enforcement and Bankruptcies Duration: 2.35
Security Documents Duration: 2.12
Kingfisher - Bankruptcy Duration: 2.01
With our firm’s clear and singular purpose of providing reliable advice and unstinted insights to clients, we are proud to share some of our notable honours and achievements.
Chambers and Partners:
(100 Firms, based on votes, then assessed by Independent Judges)
Aviation Law Firm of the Year - India:
Highly recommended Leading Firm:
Aviation Law Firm of India:
Leading Individual 2022 (R. Nath):
Who's Who Legal:
Aviation Finance
At RNC Legal, we have evolved with the times while preserving some of our time-tested traditions. An inclusive and inviting work environment inevitably results in high levels of workplace satisfaction. Every day begins with an all-hands meeting to ensure the smooth execution of all ongoing client matters. Ideation, new strategies, and free thinking are encouraged. Our culture gives us the edge that allows us to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
RNC alumni are a veritable who’s who of the legal fraternity and include Chief Justices of High Courts, Presidents of Bar Associations, and Presidents and Board Members of International Associations.
Please feel free to get in touch with any inquiries. A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.