Nathan W. Sykes

Overview

Nathan Sykes assists the firm’s attorneys and clients in navigating complex regulatory, litigation, and business matters. Drawing on experience representing aviation industry stakeholders before federal agencies and courts, he supports clients through regulatory compliance reviews, agency investigations, administrative proceedings, and litigation-related matters. Nathan regularly conducts legal research and analysis, drafts briefs, motions, comments, and regulatory filings, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, and helps clients assess and address evolving legal risks. His practice experience also includes matters involving bankruptcy proceedings, corporate governance, commercial transactions, and government regulations.

Representative Matters

• Successfully represented industry stakeholders in obtaining the repeal of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Ancillary Services Rule before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
• Represented domestic and international airlines in U.S. Department of Transportation investigations and regulatory inquiries involving data privacy, accessibility compliance, and wheelchair handling practices.
• Advised airlines throughout Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, including matters involving U.S. ownership and control requirements, airport slot transactions, and related regulatory approvals.
• Assisted U.S. and foreign air carriers in securing authority for international route operations and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from federal aviation authorities.
• Represented clients in challenges to proposed airline joint ventures, addressing competition and antitrust concerns arising from cooperative commercial arrangements among air carriers.