Global law firm Kennedys continues to bolster its aviation team in Singapore with the promotion of Anita Quy to Head of Aviation, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the appointment of a new partner, Tristan Thompson.

Anita, who joined the firm in 2014, has specialised in the aviation sector for more than 20 years and is highly respected across APAC and the London Market. She advises a range of clients including insurers, airlines, general aviation operators, regulators, ground handlers, and maintenance organisations.

Recognised as a global leader for contentious aviation in the Who’s Who Legal Guide 2022, Anita has been engaged as lead counsel in a number of cases involving catastrophic losses and regularly handles complex, high-value work such as hull subrogation claims.

She also has extensive dispute resolution experience in cross-border litigation, and regularly advises on non-contentious issues such as contractual liability, risk management and regulatory matters. She takes over the role following the departure of Peng Lim who has moved in-house to long-standing Kennedys’ client, Liberty Specialty Markets, as Head of Aviation Claims.

Anita will work alongside new partner, Tristan Thompson. Tristan recently joined the firm from DLA Piper, where he spent the last three years principally working on complex aviation and aerospace product liability claims and hull subrogation claims. Prior to that he spent eight years at Clyde & Co, where he trained and qualified into their aviation team.

An English qualified lawyer, Tristan specialises in handling contentious aviation and aerospace matters on behalf of operators and their (re)insurers across multi-jurisdictions. His experience includes dealing with major airline and helicopter losses, attritional claims, coverage issues and pursuing recovery actions for (re)insurers and insureds.

Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, said: “Since joining us eight years ago, Anita has made a significant contribution to the success and growth of the practice, advising on some of the largest and most complex aviation losses and helping to cement our position as one of the world’s leading aviation firms.”

Julian Wallace, joint managing partner in Kennedys’ Singapore office, added: “I know that Anita will excel in this new role as she is already highly respected by clients who I’m sure will welcome the news. Together with Tristan, we are excited to support the growth and development of our client offering in Asia.

“We also send Peng our very best wishes in her new role and thank her for her stewardship of the aviation practice and her invaluable contribution during her time at Kennedys. As a longstanding client, we look forward to continuing our working relationship with Liberty and Peng.”