Peter is a Partner in HFW's market leading Aerospace team. He has 30 years' experience working for the aviation industry, including working for a defence manufacturer, a Hong Kong airline and legal practices in London, Singapore and Hong Kong. He has spent the last 25 years working in Asia.

Peter is a hybrid lawyer and advises the aviation industry at every stage of its life cycle including the establishment of new businesses, market entry, licensing, commercial contracts, contingency planning, incident/accident response, health, and safety prosecutions, insured and uninsured disputes, sanctions, enforcement, bankruptcy, and insolvency. Currently, he spearheads the development of the global Aerospace regulatory and commercial disputes practice, whilst also servicing the commercial advisory, insurance and liability needs of clients.

He has handled significant high value and complex matters across jurisdictions, including the establishment of several airlines in Asia, major aircraft accidents, disputes arising from the Boeing MAX debacle and Russia's grand aero theft.

Peter is a regular speaker at industry events, including those hosted by Corporate Jet Investor, Ground Handling International and IATA. He qualified as a lawyer in England and Wales in 1996 and Hong Kong in 2003. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

"He is very straightforward and gives extremely clear and direct client advice." "He is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience. We know he is a safe pair of hands." Chambers, 2023

"Peter Coles draws widespread international praise for his leading expertise in aviation law and regulation." Global Leader Aviation Contentious and Aviation Regulatory, Who’s Who Legal (WWL) 2022

Expert Guides 2022: Best of the Best Aviation Lawyers. 30 named globally

"Peter Coles is recommended for commercial and regulatory matters." Legal 500