Airports and other public sector creditors rely on Kaplan Kirsch to navigate bankruptcy court proceedings. While our team has experience representing debtors in airline bankruptcy proceedings, most of our work focuses on preparing public agencies for the potential bankruptcy of tenants, users, and contractors and helping our clients protect their interests through the bankruptcy process.
Kaplan Kirsch attorneys have been involved in every significant airline bankruptcy case in recent decades. We have handled billions of dollars in claims and negotiated agreements for airport operators nationwide.
Protecting Airports During Airline Bankruptcy
When airlines or other tenants file for bankruptcy, our thorough knowledge of airport finances and operations helps clients navigate the process. We work to:
- Protect the uninterrupted flow of passenger facility charges (PFCs)
- Negotiate workouts to keep terminals and fuel farms operating
- Recover payment for past or current airport use
- Preserve air service for the airport and the communities it serves
- Defend clients against debtor trustees’ efforts to claw back payments through preference claims
Non-Airline Tenant Bankruptcies & Airport Consortia
We also represent airport sponsors in bankruptcy matters involving other airport users, including rental car companies, concessionaires, and hotel developers. We form consortia of affected airports to share costs and leverage economies of scale in responding to an airline or large-tenant bankruptcy. Kaplan Kirsch also works with individual airports on issues specific to their situation.
Beyond Airlines: Rail and Environmental Bankruptcy
Our bankruptcy experience extends beyond the aviation sector. Kaplan Kirsch represents public sector clients in bankruptcy matters involving railroads and rail transit operators. We also handle environmental liability issues that often arise with troubled assets. Learn more about our Bankruptcy and Rail Reorganization and Environmental Bankruptcy practices.