Daniel Aquilina

Daniel Aquilina is the Partner co-heading Ganado Advocates’ asset finance and leasing team. He regularly assists leading international banks and financial institutions involved in the financing of Maltese registered vessels by perfecting the registration of mortgages and other security such as pledges of shares. Daniel has considerable experience in the drafting of Maltese law regulated security and has been involved in complex multi-vessel transactions over the years, including advice relating to alternative ship finance mechanisms and structures under Maltese law. He has been involved in major Maltese ship finance deals for several years, advising providers/arrangers of finance with loan restructuring and mortgage enforcement matters.

Daniel is also actively involved in aviation and regularly acts for financiers or lessors in aircraft finance or leasing transactions, as well as major reputable airlines. Daniel formed part of the team engaged to develop and draft Malta’s Aircraft Registration Act and was instrumental in Malta’s decision to accede to the Cape Town Convention and the Aircraft Protocol. He continues to contribute to the legislative development of the Maltese aviation industry. He is a member of the Legal Advisory Panel of the Aviation Working Group (AWG) which comprises major aviation manufacturers, lessors, law firms and financial institutions contributing to the development of international laws and policies in aviation financing and leasing.

Daniel was the Secretary of the Malta Maritime Law Association and Council Member of the Maritime Legislative Advisory Council for many years and now continues to give his contribution as a member of the Association. He also served on the board of governors of the International Propeller Club, Port of Valletta. Between 2016 and 2019, Daniel served as Chairman of Malta Marittima Agency – the Government Agency entrusted to promote enhanced cooperation between the maritime industry and Government stakeholders and to further develop maritime services in Malta as well as to act as the EU focal point for the Integrated Maritime Policy. He is also a founding member of the Malta Aviation Lawyers Association (MALA).

Languages: English, Italian, Maltese