News

Success demonstrates cost-effective, strategic expertise on behalf of corporate clients

Duncan Lewis Solicitors successfully challenged a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) policy decision on behalf of corporate client Skyblue Aero Services, leading to a significant policy amendment.

Skyblue had been impacted by a CAA ruling that required a pilot—who had inadvertently breached airspace rules—to undergo remedial training at a competitor’s facility.

When Skyblue questioned this, the CAA refused to authorise them to conduct the training in their place, despite being equally qualified.

This decision not only restricted Skyblue’s client pool but also risked damaging their reputation.

The CAA had relied on its “CAP 1404 Guidance”, which states that it “…may specify where the training is to be undertaken in order that the pilot obtains maximum benefit from the training.” However, we identified flaws in both the individual handling of the matter and the wider policy itself.

Duncan Lewis’ Public Law team, led by James Packer and assisted by Sarah Mills, advised Skyblue to challenge the decision. We issued a letter before action, arguing that the CAA’s policy of nominating a specific training provider—when multiple qualified alternatives exist—was unfair and restrictive.

Following our intervention, the CAA agreed to amend its policy and withdrew its original decision, marking a clear victory for Skyblue.

This case highlights the expertise of Duncan Lewis’ Public Law department in achieving cost-effective, strategic results for corporate clients without the need for external counsel.

For more information on how Duncan Lewis Solicitors can assist in Public Law matters, visit our Public Law Services page.

About the Team

James Packer – Director, Public Law

James Packer is a highly regarded public law specialist, consistently recognised as "exceptional" and “outstanding” by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. He has extensive experience in high-stakes litigation, regularly conducting test cases on matters including access to the courts, unlawful detention, enforced removals, and legal aid refusals. James frequently appears in the Court of Appeal, particularly in costs and procedural challenges.

Sarah Mills – Solicitor, Public Law

Sarah Mills is a specialist in international human rights and public law, with expertise in trafficking and asylum matters. She has a broad judicial review practice, particularly in immigration and civil liberties challenges, and extensive experience in civil litigation, including claims for unlawful detention and false imprisonment.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis has the leading public law and immigration practice in the UK. The team frequently takes on and successfully brings challenges in some of the most high profile cases in the UK, including in relation to the Rwanda plan and Manston House. The company was crowned Law Firm of the Year 2024 at the LexisNexis awards, and noted for its commitment to providing justice for all.

Duncan Lewis is renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to justice. The company employs a team of highly skilled solicitors offering top-tier representation in 25 fields of law, and ranked as top tier by the Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 legal guides, and as one of the top 250 law firms in the country by the Times.