Institute of Air & Space Law - IASL News

IASL participates in roundtable "Higher Airspace Operations: Present and Future from the Legal Point of View"

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:25:13 +0000

The McGill Institute of Air and Space Law was delighted to participate in an expert roundtable on "Higher Airspace Operations: Present and Future from the Legal Point of View," co-hosted with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to ICAO at the Saint James's Club of Montreal.

The New Horizons Conference: Mapping the Future of Air and Space Law

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:17:09 +0000

The Conference on New Horizons in Air and Space Law, held earlier this month, proved to be a groundbreaking event in air and space law. Jointly organized by the National University of Singapore's Centre for Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the Law, the EW Barker Centre for Law and Business, and McGill University's Institute of Air and Space Law, this conference addressed the legal and policy challenges arising from emerging technologies in air and space.

IASL students participate in Model ICAO 2024

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Last week a group of our students were hosted by the ICAO for the Model ICAO Simulation #SimOACI.

Thank you for the beautiful hospitality and exciting debate that have given us a taste of the work and dedication promoted for 80 years at the International Civil Aviation Organization.

IASL participates in IUAI Members Conference

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 21:51:34 +0000

Last week, IASL Executive Director Stefan-Michael Wedenig participated in the AI panel at the 2024 Members Conference of the INTERNATIONAL UNION OF AEROSPACE INSURERS.

IASL students visit ICAO

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 19:12:33 +0000

On April 3rd, 2024, the Institute’s students had the opportunity to visit ICAO Headquarters. ICAO Secretary General, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar (IASL LL.M., 1999) and Mr. Michael Gill, the Director of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, spent the morning giving the students a lecture about the main bodies of ICAO, the work of the ICAO Legal Committee, and how ICAO helps their Member States address climate change.

Research Group on African Air and Space Law launched

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

This is only the first step. The McGill Institute of Air and Space Law is thrilled to announce the take-off of the Research Group focusing on air and space law in Africa! Thank you to the Co-Director, Prof. Vincent Correia and our Executive Director Stefan-Michael Wedenig for their opening remarks.

CTC Moot Court a Success

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:50:34 +0000

The McGill Institute of Air and Space Law is happy to annouce the success of the Cape Town Convention Moot Court 2024.

Volume 48 of the Annals of Air and Space Law published

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:17:33 +0000

The Institute of Air and Space Law is pleased to announce the publication of Volume 48 of the Annals of Air and Space Law (2023).

IASL at International Symposium on Heritage in War and Peace

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:30:00 +0000

IASL students visit Air Canada HQ

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:30:00 +0000

On 18 January 2024, this year's IASL cohort had the unique opportunity to explore the Air Canada headquarters during an insightful career field trip. Hosted with warm hospitality and guidance from Air Canada employees, the students were treated to an exclusive tour of various facilities, including the crew training facilities, the dangerous goods department, and call centre operations.

Recent Publication by Professor Ram Jakhu and Nishith Mishra

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:40:27 +0000

The Institute of Air and Space is pleased to announce the publication of a research essay by our Prof. Ram Jakhu and IASL Doctoral Candidate, Nishith Mishra titled ‘The Beginning of the End of International Space Law’. This Chapter has been published in a collection of essays honouring Prof. Dr. Siegfried Wiessner, and has been published as part of a book titled “Human Flourishing: The End of Law” which has been edited by Prof. W. Michael Reisman & Prof. Roza Pati.

Erin & John Collins Arsenault Space Fellowships announced

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 19:01:24 +0000

? Exciting Opportunity: Erin & John Collins Arsenault Space Fellowships ?

Join the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law with our prestigious fellowships:

Erin & John Collins Arsenault Doctoral Fellowship: $9,500CAD for the DCL program (1 to be awarded).

Erin & John Collins Arsenault LLM Fellowship: Full LLM (Thesis) tuition covered (2 to be awarded).

? Theme: Sustainable Space Governance

9th McGill Annual Strategic Space Law Course a success

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:40:00 +0000

On 24-27 October 2023, the McGill Institute and Centre for Research in Air and Space Law held the ninth edition of the Annual Strategic Space Law Course online. Organised in cooperation with Spectrum Space Security Inc., headed by IASL graduate Mr. Gilles Doucet, and coordinated by Managing Editor of the McGill Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space Mr. Kuan-Wei Chen, the Course this year attracted over fifty participants from across the globe. At the conclusion of the course, participants were each awarded a Certificate of Participation.

IASL Associate Director attends Cape Town Convention Conference in Cambridge

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 15:01:25 +0000

On 27 September, IASL Associate Director, Prof. Donal Hanley presented a paper on Leasing and the Cape Town Convention at the Cape Town Convention Academic Conference hosted by Professor Louise Gullifer at Jesus College, Cambridge, together with Professor Ignacio Tirado, Secretary General of UNIDROIT and Jeffrey Wool, Secretary General of the Aviation Working Group. The presentation was followed by commentaries from Ravi Nath of RNC Legal, Nitin Sarin of Sarin & Co., and Professor Charles Mooney of University of Pennsylvania Law School.

IASL Co-Director Prof. Andrea Harrington in Washington DC

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:35:56 +0000

On 26 September, IASL Co-Director Prof. Andrea Harrington travelled to Washington DC to provide a lecture about the development and use of international institutions with a focus on space security and space safety to a cohort of students enrolled in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies campus. She delivered the lecture and then participated in the three seminar discussions in the brand new JHU facility at 555 Pennsylvania avenue, which opened last month.

From Welcome to Au Revoir

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:13:07 +0000

Welcome Luncheon for the New Cohort

Changes at the Helm of the IASL

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:58:37 +0000

The McGill Institute of Air and Space Law is pleased to announce that Prof. Vincent Correia and Professor Andrea Herrington have commenced their appointment as Co-Directors of Institute as of today, August 1^st. They take over the helm of the IASL from Prof. Donal Hanley, who has ably and thoughtfully steered the affairs of the Institute as Interim Director over the past year.

Competition Law Seminar on Enforcement vs the Policy Goal of an International Aviation Hub

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 20:17:21 +0000

On 18 July 2023, the Institute hosted a guest seminar by Professor Jae Woon (June) Lee, LLM (Air & Space Law) ’05, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

First Major McGill Manual Engagement Event held in Berlin

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:29:00 +0000

On 21-23 June 2023, the Directorate-General of Legal Affairs of the German Federal Ministry of Defence hosted the Conference on the “McGill Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space” (MILAMOS). The three-day event was organised at the Federal Academy for Security Policy (Bundesakademie für Sicherheitspolitik, BAKS), and held at the historic Schönhausen Palace in Berlin, Germany.

Emeritus Professor Armand de Mestral

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:21:12 +0000

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Armand de Mestral.

In addition to all his other achievements in the main Faculty of Law and beyond, we at the Institute of Air and Space Law remember him for his long association with and support for our institute, most notably for his role as interim director from 1998 to 2000 in succession to Michael Milde before him and before the appointment of Paul Dempsey after him.

Conference on International Aviation + Space Financing Law: A Resounding Success

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 17:18:16 +0000

The recently concluded Conference on International Aviation + Space Financing Law, organized by the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law and the National University of Singapore's Centre for Banking and Finance Law, proved to be a great success. Held in the vibrant city of Singapore, this conference brought together an array of stakeholders from both academia and practice to explore the challenges, changes, and innovations in the field. The event was highly anticipated and garnered significant attention from experts in the aviation and space financing sectors.

IASL signs Mermorandum of Understanding with ICAO

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:30:38 +0000

After a full academic year of hard work on this by all involved, we are delighted to share that the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law signed Memorandum of Understanding for a jointly offered course with The International Civil Aviation Organization at its GISS 2023 in Seoul, Korea.

IASL Students win the 14th Leiden-Sarin International Air Law Moot Court Competition

Wed, 17 May 2023 00:57:31 +0000

The McGill University Institute of Air and Space was proud to participate this year in the 14^th Leiden-Sarin International Air Law Moot Court Competition, which was hosted by Leiden University in the Netherlands. The IASL was represented by our current graduate LL.M. students - Matthew Orsmbee (United States), Laura Triana Castano (Colombia), Judith Jahnke (Sweden), and coached by René David-Cooper (Doctoral candidate/Canada).

McGill Manual Engagement Seminar with the French Space Command

Wed, 10 May 2023 17:38:09 +0000

On 21 April 2023, the Co-Editors of the McGill Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space, Professor Ram Jakhu and Professor Steven Freeland, joined by Managing Editor Kuan-Wei Chen, held an engagement seminar with the Space Command of the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France.

IASL European Alumni/ae Association Reunion in Paris

Mon, 01 May 2023 20:36:04 +0000

On the eve of the 13th Annual McGill/PEOPIL Conference on International Aviation Liability, Insurance & Finance, the IASL European Alumni/ae Association held its reunion event. Forty friends, colleagues and graduates of the Institute met up at this long-anticipated event in the dazzling city of Paris.

IASL Students participate in the 2023 Planetary Defense Conference

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:54:41 +0000

On the 6th of April 2023, two of our master's students, Judith Jahnke and Sanchi Dhamija, gave presentations at the 2023 Planetary Defense Conference, which is held biennially and brings together experts from the planetary defence community, including scientists and policymakers. This year, the conference was held at the UNOOSA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

IASL Career Day a Success

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 17:48:54 +0000

On March 31st, 2023, the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law held a career day for this year's IASL students.

IASL Class visits ICAO

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:30:32 +0000

On March 30, 2023, the Institute’s students attended their Airline Business Law class, given by Sessional Lecturer George Petsikas, at nearby ICAO Headquarters. ICAO Secretary General Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar (IASL LL.M., 1999) greeted the class before Mr. Michael Gill, the Director of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau, spent the morning giving the students a guest lecture about the main bodies of ICAO, the work of the ICAO Legal Committee, and environmental concerns and initiatives at ICAO.

Guest Lecture by Professor Peter Nesgos

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 20:19:59 +0000

This Thursday this year's cohort participated in a guest lecture by IASL Adjunct Professor Peter Nesgos. Over three hours, Prof. Nesgos led an engaging discussion about space asset financing and insurance. "As the Institute of Air and Space Law we continuously strive to prepare our students for the fast changing space market. Prof. Nesgos, whose lecture has been part of our annual program for years, is always very kind in sharing his valuable knowledge with our students" Interim Director, Prof. Donal Hanley said. " I am grateful to my colleague, Prof.

Indonesian Delegation Visits IASL

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

On Thursday March 16^th, a delegation from Indonesia consisting of His Excellency Mr. Daniel T.S. Simanjuntak, Indonesian Ambassador to Canada and Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Mr. Denon Prawiraatmadja, Chairman of the Indonesian National Air Carriers Association, Mr. Andre Rahadian, Partner at Dentons, as well as selected embassy employees, visited the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law, where they were met on behalf of Interim Director, Prof.

McGill Manual webinar with the African Space Leadership Institute

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 06:46:11 +0000

On 1 March 2023, the Institute of Air and Space Law co-hosted a webinar with the African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI) titled the “Governance of Military Space Activities: The McGill Manual”.

Guest Lecture "Who owns Outer Space?"

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:58:55 +0000

The IASL was pleased to host Prof. Byers and Prof. Boley from the University of British Columbia for a guest lecture on February 16th. In front of an excited cohort, Prof. Byers and Prof. Boley delivered an interesting and engaging lecture based on their new book titled "Who Owns Outer Space?".

"We are immensely grateful to Prof. Byers and Prof. Boley for sharing their expertise on such a contemporary and important issue in Space Law" Interim Director, Prof. Donal Hanley said.

Winner of the 2022 Sarin-McGill Annual Student Essay Contest on Aircraft Finance & Leasing announced

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 02:30:00 +0000

Sarin & Co. and the Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University are pleased to announce that Avani Gupta from the International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden University, has been adjudged as the winner of the Sarin-McGill Annual Essay Contest on Aircraft Finance and Leasing 2022.

We would like to thank students of law, from around the world, who participated in the contest and made it a grand success.

IASL Cohort visits Air Canada HQ

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:49:07 +0000

On 27 January 2022, a group of 25 students, consisting of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 cohorts, enjoyed the unique opportunity to visit the headquarters of Air Canada located at Montreal airport for a career field trip. Under the warm hospitality and guidance of employees at Air Canada, they were given a special tour of the crew training facilities, the maintenance hangar, the dangerous goods department as well as call centre operations and enjoyed lectures by seasoned professionals at the legal and regulatory affairs department and the network planning department of Canada's flag carrier.

IASL holds first Alumni Cocktail of 2023

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:00:00 +0000

The Institute of Air and Space Law Association (IASLA), the very active alumni network of the Institute of Air and Space Law (IASL), welcomed over 60 guests to its annual Holiday Party at the McGill Faculty Club on 25 January 2023, the first since COVID hit. The Holiday Party is one of the Institute’s great traditions and is also a wonderful opportunity for current LLMs, DCLs, Certificate students and post-docs to mingle with their predecessors at the IASL.

Major Milestone for IASL Student

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:07:33 +0000

The Institute of Air and Space Law celebrates the recent news of Major Matthew Ormsbee’s next military assignment. In August, Major Ormsbee will move to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he will serve as an Assistant Professor of Law at the United States Air Force Academy. He expects to teach the introductory law class relating to U.S. constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, and the law of armed conflict. In addition, he will teach an upper-level course on space law and applications.

IASL Class attends 19th Annual Assad Kotaite

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:31:05 +0000

The current IASL class attended the 19th Annual Assad Kotaite Lecture organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society (Montreal Branch) at the McGill Faculty Club. IASL Adjunct Professor Ludwig Weber accompanied the class and extended the invitation.

Kathy Fox, the Chair of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada delivered the insightful lecture on the topic "Evolving approaches to Managing Safety and Investigating Accidents; From Individual to Organizational Safety Management."

IASL participates in Panel Discussion organised by the German Aerospace Center and the Herzberg Network

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:45:17 +0000

On December 7^th the German Aerospace Center in partnership with the German Embassy’s Herzberg Network hosted a panel discussion titled “Cold Moon: Let’s talk about Space Research and Technology for Life on Earth” in the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. The Institute of Air and Space Law was represented by Institute graduate Prof. Aram Kerkonian who provided insightful aspect of research in Space Law.

The IASL Webinar Series Continues

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 20:56:30 +0000

On Thursday, 1 December 2022, the Institute of Air and Space Law held its second webinar for the academic year 2022/23. The second panel titled "The Use of Satellites in Armed Conflict: Legal and Geopolitical Implications" could continue the success of the 1st webinar with more than 90 people in attendance.

The excellent panel consisting of Dr. Jessica West, Prof. Steven Freeland, Prof. Michael Byers, Prof. Maj. Jeremy Grunert and Mr. Gilles Doucet delivered interesting presentations and insightful perspectives.

Attention Alumni

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:31:56 +0000

Attention all IASL graduates and alumni,

Please find herein attached a letter and notice of meeting from the Institute of Air and Space Law Association's (IASLA) Acting President, George Petsikas, for your attention and requested follow-up. An Assembly will be held on February 3rd 2023 at 10:00am EST on Zoom

IASL Class attends ICAO Symposia

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:07:02 +0000

IASL Sessional Lecturer, Dr. Joseph Wilson and his students in the Government Regulation of Air Transport Course attended two Symposia organized by ICAO on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from 7 to 9 November, and Drone Enable from 14 to 16 November at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal. “The symposia presented a unique opportunity for the students to hear the industry experts and to see how their work provides the basis for ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs)” said Dr. Wilson.

Guest Lecture by Professor Francis Schubert

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:06:14 +0000

The Institute of Air and Space Law had the pleasure of welcoming Adjunct Professor Francis Schubert at McGill University. Over three days, Prof. Schubert delivered an engaging lecture about Liability of Air Traffic Control.

"We are very proud of our experienced adjunct faculty who provide our students with practical experience and set them up for future success in the industry. Francis’ career as an air traffic controller brought a unique perspective to an already engaging subject matter" Interim Director, Prof. Donal Hanley said.

1st IASL Webinar of the Season a Success

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:05:28 +0000

On Friday, 4 November 2022, the Institute of Air and Space Law held its first webinar for the academic year 2022/23. The newly established IASL Aerospace Webinar Series was kicked off with the first episode titled “The Race Back to the Moon: Legal and Geopolitical Implications”. For two hours, the high-level panel consisting of Prof. Olga Volynskaya, Prof. Jinyuan Su, Prof. Eytan Tepper and Prof.

Military Promotion for Major Matthew Ormsbee

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:04:32 +0000

On 28 October 2022, the Institute of Air and Space Law celebrated the military promotion of Matthew Ormsbee to Major in the United States Air Force.

Matt joins the Institute as an active-duty military member as he pursues his LL.M. in Air and Space Law (Thesis). Before beginning his studies, Matt served at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Misawa Air Base, Japan. He has filled numerous positions as a prosecutor, international law attorney, and defense attorney. He was in private practice in New York before commissioning with the Air Force in 2016.

Career Talk with Wayne Tyrell

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:03:39 +0000

The Institute of Air and Space Law took great pleasure in welcoming Mr. Wayne Tyrell, Senior Legal Advisor Irish Aviation Authority, to the Institute to give a career talk to this year’s cohort.

“Wayne’s background both in the Irish Defence Forces and Aviation Authority provides an interesting combination of experience. I am delighted that he agreed to talk to our students” Interim Director, Prof. Donal Hanley said.

IASL signs Mermoradum of Understanding with Korean Aerospace University

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:02:37 +0000

On Tuesday 4 October 2022, the President of Korea Aerospace University Prof. Dr. Heeyoung Hurr and Prof. Dr. Woon-Kyung Song visited the Institute of Air and Space Law to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. Korea Aerospace University is a leading university in Korea specialised in aviation and aerospace.

IASL graduate student Beatrice Dragomir recipient of the 2022 IAWA Scholarship Award

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:01:27 +0000

The Institute of Air and Space Law is pleased to announce that Ms. Beatrice Dragomir is this year’s recipient of the 2022 International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) Scholarship for McGill University.

Pakistan's delegation to ICAO visits the IASL

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:00:28 +0000

Professor Donal Hanley, Interim Director, was pleased to welcome the Pakistani delegation to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law. The meeting took place in the splendid common room of Old Chancellor Day Hall, where Professor Hanley led an interesting discussion about prospective collaboration and capacity-building initiatives with Pakistan. The delegation consisted of Director General of Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCCA) Mr. Khaqan Murtaza, PCAA's Director of Operations Mr.

Dean Leckey addresses the 2022 American Bar Association Air and Space Law Forum

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:58:43 +0000

On 15 September 2022, McGill University Faculty of Law Dean Robert Leckey addressed the American Bar Association (ABA) Air and Space Law Forum at its 2022 Annual Conference. Attended by legal aerospace professionals, senior airline executives and high-level government representatives, the Conference took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

IASL represented at Montreal International Aerospace Week 2022

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:56:56 +0000

As part of Montreal International Aerospace Week 2022’s Defense and Security / Space Day, former Executive Director of the Centre for Research in Air and Space Law Mr. Kuan-Wei Chen took part in a roundtable discussion titled “Perspectives and Solutions to the Risk of Space Belligerence”. The overarching theme of the panel, which took place on 8 September 2022, focused on how, in an increasingly tense geopolitical climate, operators can better secure space systems and protect space assets.

Welcome to the IASL Class of 2022-2023

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:55:27 +0000

Interim Director of Institute of Air and Space Law Professor Donal Hanley welcomed the incoming class of 2022/2023 in the spectacular rooms of Old Chancellor Day Hall last Friday. After two years of virtual and hybrid learning, it was the first welcome held entirely in person again and it was a delight to see the incoming students meeting professors and Institute staff while enjoying free pizza and drinks.

Stefan-Michael Wedenig named New Executive Director of the Centre and Institute of Air and Space Law

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:51:15 +0000

We are pleased to announce that doctoral student Stefan-Michael Wedenig (LL.M class of 2020/21) has been named the new Executive Director of the Centre and Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University. With effect from 1 September, Stefan-Michael will take over the role of the outgoing Executive Director, Kuan-Wei (David) Chen, who has served the Centre and the Institute admirably over the past ten years.

Dr. Donal Hanley becomes IASL Interim Director

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:48:57 +0000

We are delighted to announce that Institute of Air and Space Law (IASL) Adjunct Professor Dr. Donal Hanley has been appointed Associate Professor by the McGill Faculty of Law and assume the position of Interim Director. Dr. Hanley is taking over the helm from Professor Ram Jakhu, who for over two years has directed and managed the Institute through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extended medical leave of the previous IASL Director Professor Brian Havel.

Publication of the McGill Manual, the world’s first manual clarifying international law applicable to military uses of outer space

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:47:16 +0000

After over six years of intense collaboration with subject-matter experts and institutions from across the globe, McGill University is pleased to announce the publication of Volume I of the McGill Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space (McGill Manual: Volume I - Rules).