Paul Zampol is senior Counsel with the Global Transport Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP.
Mr. Zampol joined SGR’s Air Transport Industry Group in 2005 after more than 26 years with Delta Air Lines, Inc. He has represented U. S. and international airlines in negotiating and drafting aircraft and engine leasing, equipment acquisition and long-term engine and aircraft maintenance agreements. He has also worked on aircraft leases, aircraft sales and acquisition agreements and related matters for several aircraft lessors.
Mr. Zampol’s significant representative matters include representing a start-up airline in negotiating various aircraft equipment acquisition agreements, aircraft leases, and long-term aircraft, engine and other equipment maintenance agreements; representing a cargo airline in negotiating leases for two Boeing 777 freighters; representing a helicopter operator in outsourcing its maintenance operation and negotiating a long-term maintenance services agreement with the buyer; representing a South American airline in negotiating acquisition and long-term maintenance agreements for aircraft engines and other equipment for a fleet renewal and representing a financial firm in negotiating long-term aircraft engine maintenance agreements covering aircraft to be leased to various airlines.
Mr. Zampol’s Delta experience includes restructuring and contingency planning in connection with the restructuring in bankruptcy of Delta Air Lines and Comair, with a focus on Section 1110 planning, and working on many of Delta’s aircraft leases and on its EETC financing of over 150 aircraft. His background also includes extensive work in creditor’s rights law, DOT and FAA regulatory law, environmental law and intellectual property law. Prior to joining Delta, Mr. Zampol was a trial attorney with the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board.
Mr. Zampol received his B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1974 and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1977. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.
Mr. Zampol is interested in the history of aviation and is a volunteer with the local wing of the Commemorative Air Force. He also was recently named Treasurer of The Great Georgia Airshow, Inc. In addition, Mr. Zampol is a licensed private pilot.