Sonia is recognised as a Rising Star in the Legal 500 specialising in aviation litigation work. Her practice encompasses a broad spectrum of aviation and travel-related work (including complex subrogation and coverage) with a particular focus on airline catastrophe and multi-jurisdictional litigation.
Sonia has also advised airlines on commercial and regulatory issues, latterly concerning issues arising from the global pandemic. She is a native Spanish speaker and can conduct claims in that language. Sonia also has a particular interest in developing airline and insurer clients’ overall claim experience, through the use of new technologies to automate the process, drive efficiencies and reduce overall indemnity spend in aviation claims handling.
Sonia has 21 years’ experience in the aviation sector, having trained at Beaumont and Son, and latterly within the Aviation Department of Clyde & Co.
Her major loss experience includes the following:
- Virgin Atlantic G-VSKY, Heathrow, 1997;
- Kenya Airways KQ507, Douala, 2007;
- Air France AF447, Atlantic Ocean Accident, 2009;
- Ethiopian Airlines ET702, unscheduled landing, 2014;
- Egyptair MS804, Mediterranean Sea, May 2016;
- Ethiopian Airlines ET302, Bishoftu, 2019.
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Sonia is very clear and considered in her advice. She navigates complex issues clearly and quickly evaluates the respective strength of arguments and appreciates the likely direction of travel.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Sonia is very calm and instils confidence. She is a real asset to the aviation team.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Sonia Lopez advises major airlines on a wide range of insurance matters, particularly subrogation and coverage. She is also well placed to assist with passenger claims and issues relating to aircraft accidents.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Sonia Lopez is a great supporter and a very reliable lawyer.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Sonia Lopez is a force of nature and pushes her team to perform at their best.
Legal 500 2026 -
Sonia Lopez has a wealth of experience.
Chambers and Partners 2025 -
She's always been very sensible and collaborative.
Chambers and Partners 2025 -
Sonia has a wealth of experience and is a pleasure to work with.
Chambers and Partners 2025