It is with great pleasure that the editorial board presents this issue of The Air & Space Lawyer, shortly after the Forum gathered for its annual conference in Huntington Beach, California. This year’s conference benefited from timely and cutting-edge panel topics, ranging from the evolution of drone operations to the airline industry’s use of artificial intelligence to developments in the enforcement of international interests in airframes and aircraft engines under the Cape Town Convention. We are grateful to the conference organizers for delivering such an outstanding program.
December 02, 2024 Feature
Editor’s Column
Jonathon H. Foglia
Our first article in this issue is by Michael Greenop of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, LLP, and offers an overview of the recently established Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation (CAA) and its promising role in resolving aviation disputes, in no small measure due to the CAA’s ability to draw on deep, industry-specific expertise to produce high-quality and judicially enforceable decisions. Michael deftly walks us through the arbitration rules, including those governing the proceedings, interim measures, venue, confidentiality, and expenses, illustrating the valuable alternative to traditional litigation the CAA offers.
Our second article is by Adam Soliman, a second-year JD candidate at Georgetown University Law Center. Adam shares his impressions and several takeaways based on his attendance at one of the Forum’s annual conference panels, “Funding Big Ideas in Aerospace,” comprised of panelists from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, United Airlines Ventures, and Sidley Austin LLP. Students like Adam represent the future of the Forum, and we are delighted by his contribution to this issue.
Last but by no means least is an engaging and informative interview with Michael Whitaker, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), conducted by editorial board member Jeffrey Klang, who recently retired from the FAA following a distinguished aviation legal career, including serving as Assistant Chief Counsel for International Affairs. In his interview, Administrator Whitaker, who was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in 2023, shares his thoughts on the FAA’s priorities, challenges facing the industry, and the agency’s transformational NextGen program. The Administrator also offers advice for new aviation lawyers and shares his own career journey. We are privileged that he agreed to be interviewed by the publication.
Whether you are a relatively new reader of The Air & Space Lawyer or a longtime and avid follower, I encourage you to consider writing an article for an upcoming issue. The publication depends on the willingness of others to author articles and share their experiences. Please help us to keep the publication strong. If you are interested in contributing or wish to discuss your ideas for aerospace-related articles, please do not hesitate to contact me ([email protected]) or Managing Editor Kathy Yodice ([email protected]).