Two experienced aviation partners – including the former CEO of Fiji Airways and Flybe – have joined Clyde & Co’s global aviation practice in the US and Asia-Pacific, respectively.
Dave Pflieger, who successfully turned around and relaunched Fiji Airways but whose subsequent tenure at UK regional airline Flybe ended with its second collapse, will be based across three US cities: Atlanta, San Francisco and Washington DC.
Tannie Kwong, meanwhile, joins from Cathay Pacific, where he served as senior legal counsel responsible for the airline’s disputes and, most recently, as head of customer support.
The appointments come as Clyde & Co continues to replenish the senior ranks of its global aviation practice following a number of departures, including that of former global aviation practice chair Robert Lawson KC earlier this year.
Kevin Sutherland, the US-based chair of Clyde & Co's aviation group, said: “Aviation remains one of the most international and highly regulated sectors in which our clients operate. As airlines, airports, lessors, insurers and investors respond to growing demand and continued industry transformation, access to specialist advice with deep sector knowledge is more important than ever.”
Pflieger brings more than 30 years of senior legal, financial, commercial, operational and aviation safety experience. Having served five times as an airline CEO, he has also held roles as general counsel, COO, board member, director of flight safety, commercial airline captain (Airbus and Boeing) and Air Force instructor pilot, including leadership positions at some of the industry's most recognised airlines.
He was a founding officer and senior executive who helped launch and grow Virgin America, serving as general counsel among other roles. He also held legal and flight safety roles at Delta, including a senior position at its low-cost airline, Song.
He subsequently led the successful turnaround and rebranding of Air Pacific into Fiji Airways. He has also served as CEO of Silver Airways, Hawaii Island Air and Ravn Air Group in the US. In 2021, he was hired to lead the post-administration relaunch of Flybe, managing the regional carrier until it entered administration for a second time in January 2023.
Pflieger said he was “looking forward to working with my new colleagues across the globe to advise and assist airlines, lessors, MROs, ground handlers, airports, investors, insurers, and other key players to overcome industry challenges, grow, and achieve even greater success.”
Kwong, meanwhile, is a disputes lawyer with nearly 20 years’ experience, including 14 years focused on trade and transport. Based in Hong Kong, his appointment strengthens Clyde & Co’s ability to support aviation clients across the Asia-Pacific region. Before joining Cathay Pacific, he practised as a transport and commercial litigation lawyer in Sydney and spent a short in-house stint with Pacific Andes in China.
Kwong said: “I am excited to join a team that is so deeply embedded in the sector and look forward to working with colleagues across the region and globally to help clients seize opportunities, manage risk and navigate the complex challenges facing the industry.”
The hires are the latest in a string of aviation partner appointments globally, including former Army officer and barrister Nick Roberts, who joined in London from Norton Rose Fulbright in May, Nick Humphrey, who rejoined in Dubai from Norton White in July, and Bushra Abu Tayeh, who joined in Dubai from Al Tamimi & Company in April. The firm also promoted aviation finance specialist Cecily Scutt to partner in London in September and aviation disputes lawyer Autumn Lewis to partner in the US in November last year.
However, the firm has also lost a number of aviation specialists. Fladgate hired aviation finance partner Nick Harding and legal director Kirstin MacDougall from Clyde & Co, both joining as partners to launch an aviation finance practice earlier this month.
Lawson, the former global aviation head, returned to Quadrant Chambers in February after nine years at the firm, while in June Kennedys rehired aviation partner Rob Ireland and Alius Law recruited London aviation specialist Robert Mumford.
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