Aviation

Ecuador is a country with great touristic potential and natural beauty, giving rise to various destinations that attract a diverse range of visitors

The Ecuadorian government recognizes the importance of the tourism sector for the country’s economy and development. Therefore, it has worked diligently to enhance connectivity from the airports in Quito and Guayaquil and has promoted new tax reforms that benefit foreign airlines.

Additionally, the modernization of the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, which has received multiple awards, has facilitated the arrival of more airlines to the country, significantly increasing the number of routes and flight frequencies.

Our firm has played a crucial role in strengthening the aviation sector in Ecuador. We have provided comprehensive legal advice and support in negotiating open skies agreements, facilitating the expansion of international aviation operations. We have worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Ecuador abroad, to attract tourism. Additionally, we have developed specific business models for airlines operating in the country, optimizing their operations and ensuring their sustainability in the Ecuadorian market.

Our experience includes managing numerous routes and frequencies between Ecuador and the United States of America, resulting in substantial benefits for both tourism and foreign investment.

Our expertise spans both the regulatory sector for the adequate operation of airlines and advice in labor law and consumer rights.

Our experience and dedication position us as a strategic ally in the evolution and modernization of the country’s aviation connectivity.

The legal team at AVL Abogados has high specialization and experience in the aviation sector.

We have the necessary knowledge and practical skills to effectively tackle our clients’ challenges. The team excels in having a deep understanding of aviation law and both national and international regulations, with solid experience in managing open skies agreements, bilateral agreements, and other commercial agreements that ensure proper operation. We have the capability to negotiate complex agreements and represent clients in administrative processes.

Compliance with annual obligations within the framework of Ecuadorian legislation is extremely important for the operation of an airline. Therefore, we assist with the submission of information to the authorities, addressing requirements, providing passenger lists, requesting seasonal flights, handling charter flight processes, equipment changes (aircraft), requests to extend the operation permit deadlines, and other procedures, with due advance notice to avoid non compliances and fines.

Furthermore, AVL Abogados is recognized for its preventive advice in labor law to avoid labor contingencies. Our firm has a strong track record in resolving conflicts between employers and employees in this industry, having negotiated with the highest government authorities about the specific treatment required for workers and service providers in the industry.

Our legal team also has experience in negotiating and resolving conflicts that may arise with passengers.

Learn About Our Firm's Notable Cases.

  • Our firm has represented one of the largest airlines in the United States of America and the world for over 8 years during its operations in the Republic of Ecuador.

  • We have provided legal advice and support on open skies agreements, coordinated with the Ministry of Tourism to advertise Ecuador abroad as a tourism destination, developed business models for airlines flying to Ecuador, and managed numerous routes and frequencies between Ecuador and the United States of America. These activities have brought several benefits for Ecuador’s tourism industry and foreign investment in the country.

  • We have provided legal advice on the inclusion of aircraft equipment in the operations of major international airlines and the acquisition of all necessary permits.

  • We have obtained several cabotage permits for private flights for international business people.

  • We provided legal and commercial strategy advice to one of the leading Canadian companies for its entry into Ecuador with self-piloted equipment (drones).

  • Favorable administrative resolutions of disallowances and reimbursement orders issued by the General Comptroller’s Office [Contraloría General del Estado] for alleged noncompliance regarding the acquisition of fuels.

  • Favorable administrative resolutions of disallowances and reimbursement orders issued by the General Comptroller’s Office, resulting from public procurement processes by public entities for contracting flights for officials of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal [Tribunal Supremo Electoral].

When is an aviation lawyer needed?

It is needed in a variety of situations that require specific knowledge and experience in the regulations and laws governing aviation:

  • Advice on the purchase and lease of aircraft.

  • Regulatory compliance and submission of information to the aviation authority.

  • Opening and maintaining aviation routes.

  • Submission of passenger lists.

  • Requests for seasonal flights.

  • Processes for charter flights.

  • Changes in equipment (aircraft).

  • Extension of operation permits deadlines.

  • Representation in administrative procedures to avoid noncompliance and resulting fines.

  • Specialized legal advice on labor relations.

  • Assistance in resolving conflicts with suppliers and passengers.

What services does AVL Abogados provide in this area?

  • Drafting of contracts and related documents for the purchase and lease of aircraft.

  • Legal advice in preparing documents for the request for operating permits.

  • Management and support in all types of administrative procedures before the relevant aviation authority.

  • Obtaining the necessary permits for employee work shifts and the reduction of working hours.

  • Implementation of regulations for companies that provide complementary activities.

  • Advice on implementing social responsibility and sustainability policies in the aviation industry.

  • Advice on matters of consumer rights.

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