As I write this column, we are a little more than one month away from the Washington Update Conference, where the Forum comes together each year for lively panel discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities. This year’s program includes panels and workshops that cover the waterfront, ranging from legislative, international aviation, environmental/sustainability, cargo, space law, and consumer protection regulatory updates to antitrust developments and a DEI and belonging workshop. Special thanks to our program co-chairs, Stephen Baskin of King & Spalding and Sophie Hayashi of Delta Air Lines, for all their hard work assembling an impressive lineup.
April 10, 2024 Feature
Editor's Column
Jonathon H. Foglia
This issue of The Air & Space Lawyer is our first in an all-digital environment. Although the format has changed, the Editorial Board remains committed to bringing you superb articles from air and space law practitioners covering topics that are relevant and engaging, to which we now turn.
Our first article is from two trial attorneys in the prestigious Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section, Torts Branch, Civil Division of the US Department of Justice, J. Steven Jarreau and Jeanne L. Amy, who provide an overview of space accident investigations in the United States. With commercial space transportation’s exponential growth projected to continue, their article is timely, informative, and thoughtful.
Our second article is written by Faraz Naqvi and Sengova Kailondo of Hogan Lovells International LLP (UK). Faraz and Sengova analyze the frequently overlooked but critical role that general terms agreements (GTAs) have in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul businesses, and offer our readers, in practical and accessible terms, their international perspective and suggestions for negotiating effective GTAs.
Next, we feature an article from Ryan Payne of Netzer, Krautter & Brown, P.C., which includes a history of civil supersonic air transport, beginning with the introduction of Concorde, and a synopsis of the current regulatory framework, including the Federal Aviation Administration prohibition on overland sonic booms. Ryan offers a fascinating critique of how the law will need to change to facilitate the development and commercially successful deployment of the next generation of civil supersonic aircraft.
Last, but by no means least, we are delighted to feature an interview with Maria Garton, general counsel and corporate secretary for Signature Aviation, which operates one of the world’s largest networks of fixed-based operators, from airport locations in the United States, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Before beginning her position at Signature Aviation, Maria held senior legal roles at a number of organizations with aviation interests, including Mubadala Development Company and Strata Manufacturing. Maria offers advice for young attorneys keen to enter the practice of aviation law, reflects on some of the matters she has been entrusted to handle over the course of her distinguished career, and provides a glimpse into her management style for successfully overseeing a team of fifteen legal professionals. We are grateful to Maria for agreeing to the interview and hope that you enjoy reading it.
Finally, please consider writing an article for an upcoming issue of The Air & Space Lawyer. This publication is only as good as the willingness of others to contribute content for it. If you are interested in contributing or wish to discuss your ideas for aerospace-related articles, please contact me at [email protected] or our Managing Editor Kathy Yodice at [email protected].