Chinasa Unaegbunam, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and aviation law expert, has been appointed to the advisory board of the Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation (HCAA). The HCAA, a specialized body for resolving contractual disputes in aviation, unveiled a 40-member advisory board comprising international leaders in aviation law, mediation, and arbitration. The board’s mission is to champion arbitration and mediation as the preferred dispute resolution mechanisms in the aviation industry.
With over two decades of legal experience, Unaegbunam has led groundbreaking initiatives in aviation law and policy. Notably, she co-drafted Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act, aligning it with the Cape Town Convention, and played a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s first Export Credit Facility for aircraft acquisition through the US EXIM Bank. Her expertise spans dispute resolution, oil and gas, taxation, and employment law, making her a versatile leader in legal practice.
Unaegbunam’s career is marked by significant achievements, including advisory roles in high-profile transactions such as the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization Facility and multi-billion Naira disputes in the energy sector. Her efforts reflect her commitment to excellence and innovation, both nationally and internationally.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association, Unaegbunam exemplifies the integration of legal expertise with sector-specific innovation. Her appointment to the HCAA advisory board is a testament to her professional excellence and her role in shaping the future of aviation law.
