Aviation
-
Representing Established Airlines and Aviation Innovators
Wilson Sonsini's clients include commercial airlines and innovative companies behind growing aviation sectors, including unmanned aircraft and advanced avionics.
Aviation inherently depends on technology, particularly communications, sensors, computers, testing machinery, and other complex systems. Technology also enables the equipment used to monitor air transportation, such as signs, signals, and air traffic control systems. Advances in aviation technology have created new opportunities for the firm's clients, including traditional component manufacturers and software vendors whose innovative products are integrated into aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other aviation equipment, as well as private companies entering the fast-growing drone market.
As the premier law firm provider to technology companies, Wilson Sonsini represents both leading, established participants in the aviation industry and the innovators that are advancing the future of aviation technology. For example, the firm provides representation to commercial airlines as well as companies that manufacture and market drones and advanced electronics for aerial vehicles.
Overview
Aviation inherently depends on technology, particularly communications, sensors, computers, testing machinery, and other complex systems. Technology also enables the equipment used to monitor air transportation, such as signs, signals, and air traffic control systems. Advances in aviation technology have created new opportunities for the firm's clients, including traditional component manufacturers and software vendors whose innovative products are integrated into aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other aviation equipment, as well as private companies entering the fast-growing drone market.
As the premier law firm provider to technology companies, Wilson Sonsini represents both leading, established participants in the aviation industry and the innovators that are advancing the future of aviation technology. For example, the firm provides representation to commercial airlines as well as companies that manufacture and market drones and advanced electronics for aerial vehicles.
Alerts
2026 Antitrust Year in Preview
Last year was a landmark in the development of antitrust law. Enforcers, legislators, and private parties grappled with the fundamental shift represented by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the resolution of important digital technology antitrust cases, and significant divergence in policy across a presidential administration transition. The changes will not stop in 2026. In this preview, we focus on several economic sectors that were most impacted by developments in antitrust law in 2025 to identify the trends that will drive governmental and private activity in antitrust in 2026.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises FTAI Aviation's Special Committee on Internalization
On May 28, 2024, FTAI Aviation (FTAI), an owner and operator of commercial jet engines, announced that it has entered into definitive agreements providing for the internalization of the company’s management operations. Pursuant to the internalization agreement, FTAI and FIG LLC terminated the Management and Advisory Agreement dated July 31, 2022, and the Services and Profit Sharing Agreement dated November 10, 2022, effective as of May 28, 2024. FTAI's board of directors established a special committee of independent and disinterested directors to negotiate and approve the terms of the internalization. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised the special committee in connection with the internalization.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Hawaiian Airlines on $1.9 Billion Acquisition by Alaska Airlines
On December 3, 2023, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Alaska Airlines will acquire the holding company of Hawaiian Airlines for $18.00 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $1.9 billion. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Hawaiian Airlines on the transaction.
Insights
Alerts
2026 Antitrust Year in Preview
Last year was a landmark in the development of antitrust law. Enforcers, legislators, and private parties grappled with the fundamental shift represented by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the resolution of important digital technology antitrust cases, and significant divergence in policy across a presidential administration transition. The changes will not stop in 2026. In this preview, we focus on several economic sectors that were most impacted by developments in antitrust law in 2025 to identify the trends that will drive governmental and private activity in antitrust in 2026.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises FTAI Aviation's Special Committee on Internalization
On May 28, 2024, FTAI Aviation (FTAI), an owner and operator of commercial jet engines, announced that it has entered into definitive agreements providing for the internalization of the company’s management operations. Pursuant to the internalization agreement, FTAI and FIG LLC terminated the Management and Advisory Agreement dated July 31, 2022, and the Services and Profit Sharing Agreement dated November 10, 2022, effective as of May 28, 2024. FTAI's board of directors established a special committee of independent and disinterested directors to negotiate and approve the terms of the internalization. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised the special committee in connection with the internalization.
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Hawaiian Airlines on $1.9 Billion Acquisition by Alaska Airlines
On December 3, 2023, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Alaska Airlines will acquire the holding company of Hawaiian Airlines for $18.00 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $1.9 billion. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Hawaiian Airlines on the transaction.
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
Affiliated Programs
GP Bullhound Allstars 2023
Allstars recognizes and celebrates the successes and achievements within Europe’s technology universe, drawing attention to those who are shaping the industry’s future and creating the global winners of tomorrow. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the tech world’ Allstars has stood strong as one of Europe’s leading events for the last 20 years.
Speaking Engagements
Seedlegal’s Raise Your “A” Game
Join Seedlegal’s for a tactical and informative panel discussion on the journey of raising seed funding all the way to series A. This event, hosted with HSBC Innovation Banking and in partnership with Hiscox and Crowdcube, brings together a group of seasoned entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists who will willingly share their personal triumphs and failures, giving you data-driven insights into the world of startup funding.
Events
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
Affiliated Programs
GP Bullhound Allstars 2023
Allstars recognizes and celebrates the successes and achievements within Europe’s technology universe, drawing attention to those who are shaping the industry’s future and creating the global winners of tomorrow. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the tech world’ Allstars has stood strong as one of Europe’s leading events for the last 20 years.
Speaking Engagements
Seedlegal’s Raise Your “A” Game
Join Seedlegal’s for a tactical and informative panel discussion on the journey of raising seed funding all the way to series A. This event, hosted with HSBC Innovation Banking and in partnership with Hiscox and Crowdcube, brings together a group of seasoned entrepreneurs, angel investors, and venture capitalists who will willingly share their personal triumphs and failures, giving you data-driven insights into the world of startup funding.
Mark B. Baudler
Partner
Mark is a corporate law veteran, having advised start-ups and mature public companies for more than 25 years.
Mark R. Fitzgerald
Partner
Mark is a veteran attorney who advises technology and life sciences companies on corporate law and transactional matters.
James G. Griffin-Stanco
Partner
James Griffin-Stanco focuses his practice on Delaware corporate law. He is currently co-chair of the Associates Committee and a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Susannah K. Howard
Partner
Susannah K. Howard is a well-regarded labor and employment lawyer with significant experience in a range of employment and labor matters, including discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, and physical handicap; enforcement of non-compete agreements; wage-and-hour disputes; employee discipline and termination; and related matters. Susannah also conducts independent investigations on behalf of companies into high-profile allegations of employee misconduct. She has a notable track record of defending and representing clients in a diverse array of industries, including the technology, entertainment, insurance, finance, and travel sectors.
Charlotte J. Kim
Partner
Charlotte’s practice focuses on global corporate finance with particular expertise in the energy, healthcare, life sciences and biotech, software, retail, manufacturing, aviation, materials science, foodtech, agtech, and tech sectors.
Craig E. Sherman
Partner
Craig represents companies, venture capital firms, and investment banks in private placements and public offerings. He also has M&A, technology licensing, and domestic and international joint venture experience.
Damien M. Weiss
Partner
Damien Weiss is a partner in the San Francisco office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he helps start-ups and unicorns raise capital.
Sophia Galleher
Associate
Sophia provides strategic, legal, and policy advice on a wide range of tech and telecommunications regulatory matters to clients operating at the intersection of emerging law, policy, and regulation.
Aaron J. Alter
Senior Strategic Advisor
Aaron Alter is a senior strategic advisor at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he collaborates with firm management on strategic matters, with a particular focus on the firm’s Corporate Department. He also works with partners on business planning, client interviews, partner-level recruiting, and other firm initiatives.
People
Mark B. Baudler
Partner
Mark is a corporate law veteran, having advised start-ups and mature public companies for more than 25 years.
Mark R. Fitzgerald
Partner
Mark is a veteran attorney who advises technology and life sciences companies on corporate law and transactional matters.
James G. Griffin-Stanco
Partner
James Griffin-Stanco focuses his practice on Delaware corporate law. He is currently co-chair of the Associates Committee and a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Susannah K. Howard
Partner
Susannah K. Howard is a well-regarded labor and employment lawyer with significant experience in a range of employment and labor matters, including discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, and physical handicap; enforcement of non-compete agreements; wage-and-hour disputes; employee discipline and termination; and related matters. Susannah also conducts independent investigations on behalf of companies into high-profile allegations of employee misconduct. She has a notable track record of defending and representing clients in a diverse array of industries, including the technology, entertainment, insurance, finance, and travel sectors.
Charlotte J. Kim
Partner
Charlotte’s practice focuses on global corporate finance with particular expertise in the energy, healthcare, life sciences and biotech, software, retail, manufacturing, aviation, materials science, foodtech, agtech, and tech sectors.
Craig E. Sherman
Partner
Craig represents companies, venture capital firms, and investment banks in private placements and public offerings. He also has M&A, technology licensing, and domestic and international joint venture experience.
Damien M. Weiss
Partner
Damien Weiss is a partner in the San Francisco office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he helps start-ups and unicorns raise capital.
Sophia Galleher
Associate
Sophia provides strategic, legal, and policy advice on a wide range of tech and telecommunications regulatory matters to clients operating at the intersection of emerging law, policy, and regulation.
Aaron J. Alter
Senior Strategic Advisor
Aaron Alter is a senior strategic advisor at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he collaborates with firm management on strategic matters, with a particular focus on the firm’s Corporate Department. He also works with partners on business planning, client interviews, partner-level recruiting, and other firm initiatives.
Recent Insights
Alerts
2026 Antitrust Year in Preview
Last year was a landmark in the development of antitrust law. Enforcers, legislators, and private parties grappled with the fundamental shift represented by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the resolution of important digital technology antitrust cases, and significant divergence in policy across a presidential administration transition. The changes will not stop in 2026. In this preview, we focus on several economic sectors that were most impacted by developments in antitrust law in 2025 to identify the trends that will drive governmental and private activity in antitrust in 2026.
Learn More
Recent Events
Affiliated Programs
London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions
The London Forum on Global Economic Sanctions 2023 program will provide attendees with the most up-to-date developments in economic sanctions from leading financial services organizations as well as global exporters. This is a must-attend for sanctions and financial crime prevention experts.
Learn More
Affiliated Programs
IAPP Europe Data Protection Congress
Europe’s top gathering of data protection professionals is returning for its 12th year in Brussels. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Europe Data Protection Congress 2023 is the place for delegates to gain insights and working knowledge that will allow you to set a course for the future of your data protection operation. Wilson Sonsini is proud to sponsor this year’s event. To learn more about the conference, and the IAPP, click here.
Learn More
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Accessibility
Copyright © 2026 Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. All Rights Reserved.