Aircraft financing, NCAA approvals, & Cape Town registrations
Structuring cross-border aircraft acquisitions, wet/dry leases, and securing NCAA airworthiness clearances requires precise legal execution. Medina Law Associates & Co. provides elite aviation counsel to commercial airline operators, logistics charterers, and international aircraft lessors.
We help operators secure Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and NCAA transport permits, structure lease agreements under the Cape Town Convention framework, and register international interests (IDERA) to secure financiers\' assets.
Leasing & Financing
We draft dry and wet leases, registration charters, and secure international interest filings on the International Registry under the Cape Town framework.
NCAA Certification & Claims
We coordinate NCAA licensing (AOC, ATL), represent carriers in cargo damage litigations, and advise on airport ground handling contracts.
Our Core Capabilities
- NCAA operator (AOC) and route permit licensing.
- Drafting and structuring Wet (ACMI) and Dry aircraft leases.
- International Registry and IDERA filings under the Cape Town Convention.
- Passenger and cargo transportation liability claim disputes.
- Advisory on airport concession options and ground operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulates all civil aviation safety, airworthiness certifications, operator licensing (AOC), airport certifications, and consumer protection within Nigerian airspace.
A Wet Lease is a leasing arrangement where the lessor provides the aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to the lessee. A Dry Lease provides only the aircraft itself, with the lessee arranging crew, maintenance, and insurance.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Cape Town Convention, which protects international interests in mobile equipment (like aircraft and engines). It provides lenders and lessors with structured remedies, including IDERA warrants to speed up de-registration and repatriation of aircraft in default cases.
An AOC is an approval granted by the NCAA authorizing an operator to conduct commercial air transport. The process involves a 5-phase audit of the operator\'s manuals, management, staff training, and aircraft airworthiness.
