Flight Path | Episode 4 | The History and development of International Air Law and Major Beaumont’s legacy

In this centenary Podcast host and Knowledge Lawyer Aron Dindol is joined by Rob Lawson KC, leading aviation lawyer for three decades and Partner in our London Aviation team and our special guests from the world of aviation law.

This episodes features insights from:

• Michael Gill, Director of Legal and External Relations at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
• Professor George Leloudas, editor of Shawcross & Beaumont’s Air Law and professor at Swansea University
• Carol Anderson,  Assistant Director Associate General Counsel, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Our guests discuss their paths into a career in aviation law and consider the development of aviation law over the last 100 years and the challenges and opportunities for the next century.

Major Kenneth Beaumont’s contribution to air law was immense, from his first foray into air law in 1925 as advisor to Imperial Airways to establishing himself as a towering figure in the development of air law on the global stage as it developed through the century.

Aviation is one of the most regulated industries and it has been a remarkable achievement that international instruments such as the Chicago Convention of 1945 has stood the test of time and technological advancement as it marks its 80^th anniversary. Michael Gill gives his insights into the role of ICAO and how it stands up to the challenges of today.

1945 was the year that Major Beaumont jointly founded the seminal work, Shawcross and Beaumont on Air Law, and Professor George Leloudas as current editor explains how the publication keeps pace with a rapidly changing regulatory landscape to stay relevant and anticipate advances in technology such as the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in aviation. 

Carol Anderson notes the contribution of Major Beaumont and discusses her journey into aviation law leading to her appointment in IATA’s legal department, championing increasing the opportunities for women in aviation law and practice with her work with the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA).

Listen to better understand the development of air law and hear from those at the heart of the industry as they discuss the challenges of making and applying aviation law in a complex and rapidly changing world.