Principal Counsel

Job Description

This role demands a seasoned lawyer to support Air India's aircraft acquisition and financing initiatives. The ideal candidate will be an important member of our in-house legal team, supporting the airline's fleet modernisation program through astute legal architecture and risk management.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of India's flag carrier through transformative fleet transactions and financing strategies. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of Air India's ambitious growth trajectory,leveraging legal expertise to drive operational excellence and financial optimization

Job Overview

• Responsible to provide comprehensive legal support and guidance to Air India Group, ensuring compliance with aviation laws and regulations while protecting its interests.
• Support multi-jurisdictional aircraft and engine transactions including leasing, financing, novation,restructurings, and sale-leasebacks.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across domestic (DGCA, RBI, IFSC, etc.) and international jurisdictions affecting Air India Group's fleet acquisition.
• Formulate strategic legal positions for Air India Group's aircraft acquisition, aircraft delivery and redelivery negotiations, maintenance reserve disputes, and lessor default scenarios.

Functional Activities

• Assist with financing transactions within the aviation industry, such as debt or equity offerings and finance arrangements for aircraft purchases or leases.
• Participate in transactional negotiations with external parties, such as clients, vendors, or business partners.
• Support and mitigate risks, manage contract lifecycles, track deadlines, and facilitate effective contract administration to protect Air India’s interests
• Drafting and negotiation of purchase agreements, facility agreements, aircraft and engine lease agreements, mortgages, security agreements and technical acceptance protocols.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, commercial, and operational teams to ensure transaction alignment with Air India's business objectives.
• Develop compliance frameworks addressing ECB, OFAC sanctions, CAR, and FEMA requirements pertinent to Air India's cross-border transactions.