Vassallo Associates (H. Vassallo & Associates)

Vassallo Associates (H. Vassallo & Associates Ltd) is a law and technical firm in Valletta, Malta, with a second office in London. The firm started as a maritime practice in 1870. Today its aviation lawyers advise on aircraft on the Malta 9H register: registration, finance, insurance and disputes.

Clients include aircraft owners, lessors, operators, lenders and insurers from many countries. The firm deals directly with Transport Malta and the other aviation authorities.

Aircraft registration in Malta

• Aircraft and engine registration on the Malta Aircraft Register
• Advice on who can register and how to set up the owning structure
• Registration of fractional interests and aircraft still being built
• Deregistration and export of aircraft
• Work with Transport Malta on airworthiness and operating rules

Aviation finance and leasing

• Aircraft sale and purchase agreements under Maltese law
• Operating and finance leases on Malta registered aircraft
• Registration of mortgages and international interests
• Cape Town Convention and IDERA filings in Malta
• Priority and enforcement of creditor rights
• Delivery and redelivery issues linked to Malta registration

Aviation insurance and claims

The firm acts for insurers, insured parties and brokers when a Malta registered aircraft is involved in an incident, loss or dispute.

• Hull and liability claims
• Third party damage and passenger injury claims
• Policy wording and cover questions under Maltese law
• Recovery and subrogation actions
• Claims that run across more than one country

Aircraft arrest and enforcement

• Arrest, detention and grounding of aircraft
• Sanctions and other risks that affect aircraft operations
• Regulatory investigations
• Repossession, export and emergency deregistration under an IDERA

Other work

Besides aviation, Vassallo Associates handles commercial and marine litigation, arbitration and claims. Its engineers and surveyors carry out marine surveys, audits and ISO management system work.

Offices and contact

Malta: 53 Old Theatre Street, Valletta VLT 1427. Phone +356 2540 7900, email malta@hvassallo.com.

United Kingdom: 75 King William Street, London EC4N 7BE. Phone +44 20 3786 2131.