Caroline Desbiens

Caroline Desbiens practises commercial and corporate law. She holds a master degree in Air and Space Law. She has extensive experience in conducting various commercial transactions, primarily in the aviation industry.

Ms. Desbiens has acted as part-time Member with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada since July 1994. She also deals with all regulatory matters related to aviation, including obtaining different types of licences and giving legal opinions in relation to the Aeronautics Act and Canada Transportation Act and related regulations such as the Air Passengers Protection Regulations. She counsels businesses and professionals involved in the aeronautic industry such as carriers, maintenance organizations, flight training units, aviation services and/or product suppliers, Canadian Aviation Document holders, and lenders, and often deals with regulatory bodies such as Transport Canada and the Canada Transportation Agency. She negotiates and drafts all types of contracts related to the aviation industry such as transportation or charter agreements, sale or lease of aircraft, and aircraft co-ownership and management agreements. She represents the creditors and borrowers in connection with aircraft financing, including international interest on aircraft objects under the Cape Town Convention.

Her background also includes 10 years of litigation involving civil liability cases following plane or helicopter crashes and other aeronautical incidents, or related to product liability.