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Joshua Chircop

Joshua Chircop is a Senior Associate in the transport and corporate practice groups of Mamo TCV Advocates.

Joshua advises lenders, lessors, owners, borrowers, and operators on a variety of domestic and international asset leasing and structured financing transactions involving aircraft and vessels. He also advises on a range of corporate and commercial matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and corporate governance.

Strengthening EU Air Passenger Rights: The 2026 Reform Explained Aviation

Strengthening EU Air Passenger Rights: The 2026 Reform Explained

Introduction While modern mass air travel has revolutionised global connectivity and tourism, one challenge has persisted throughout its development: flight disruptions and the rights afforded to passengers in such situations. July 2026 marks a significant moment for air passengers across the EU, with the EU institutions agreeing on a major legislative reform to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This reform seeks to strengthen and clarify existing passenger protections while also introducing additional rights aimed at improving the passenger experience during travel disruptions. Application Having been approved by the EU Council on 13 July 2026, the reform is expected to enter into…
Michela Formosa and Joshua Chircop
3rd August 2026
EU Guidance Note for Pleasure Boats and Aircraft AviationShipping, Yachting and Transport

EU Guidance Note for Pleasure Boats and Aircraft

At the end of April 2026, the European Commission issued a Guidance Document concerning pleasure boats and aircraft, addressing their treatment by customs and tax authorities. This marks the first instance in which the VAT status of privately owned vessels and aircraft has been specifically addressed by the European Union. The Presumption of Union Status At the very outset of the Guidance Note, the Commission clearly establishes a presumption of Union status in favour of pleasure boats and aircraft located within the EU. This status implies that such crafts are considered Union goods in free circulation within the EU customs…
Michela Formosa and Joshua Chircop
31st July 2026
Draft Rulebook on Aircraft Financial Leasing Aviation

Draft Rulebook on Aircraft Financial Leasing

Background: The First Phase of the MFSA Aircraft Leasing Consultation On 5th January 2026, the Malta Financial Services Authority (the “MFSA”) published a consultation paper proposing a notification-based regime for aircraft financial leasing companies. The first phase of the consultation was covered in an earlier article. The core proposition is to create an alternative to full licensing under the Financial Institutions Act (Cap. 376) (the “Act”) allowing companies meeting a specified asset threshold to notify the MFSA and operate under a tailored, lighter-touch framework. The said consultation invited feedback on the framework’s high-level design and the legislative amendments needed to…
Joshua Chircop and Nicholas Valenzia
28th July 2026
Mamo TCV Advocates to Attend Corporate Jet Investor Malta 2026 Aviation

Mamo TCV Advocates to Attend Corporate Jet Investor Malta 2026

Mamo TCV Advocates will be attending the Corporate Jet Investor Malta Conference taking place on 9–10 June 2026 at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. Members of the firm’s aviation practice will be present at the conference, joining industry leaders and key stakeholders from across the international business aviation sector. CJI Malta has quickly established itself as a leading event for the business aviation community, bringing together operators, financiers, legal advisers and service providers to discuss the latest developments impacting the industry. The 2026 edition will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing aircraft management and charter, alongside broader trends…
Joshua Chircop
5th June 2026
Cape Town Convention Compliance Index Q1 2026: Malta Among Top Ranked Aviation

Cape Town Convention Compliance Index Q1 2026: Malta Among Top Ranked

In its first quarter 2026 report, Malta has once again achieved a high ranking, being placed first in Europe and second globally on the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Compliance Index. With a score of 95 out of 100, Malta was rated in the “Very High” category, confirming its strong position within the global aviation sector. Background to the Cape Town Convention The Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and the Protocol on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment, signed in 2001 and ratified by Malta in 2010, was created to facilitate aircraft financing and leasing by introducing a harmonised set…
Joshua Chircop
2nd June 2026
A Year in Review: The Finance Charter Instrument Shipping, Yachting and Transport

A Year in Review: The Finance Charter Instrument

By virtue of Act I of 2025, significant amendments were introduced to Merchant Shipping Act (‘MSA’) Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta (‘The Amendments’), reflecting Malta’s continued efforts to modernise its maritime legal framework and align itself with evolving international standards. As these amendments reach their first anniversary, this three-part series undertakes a review of the principal reforms introduced. The first part analyses the Finance Charter Instrument, the second part focuses on the Protection of Seafarers and the third part addresses the Merchant Shipping Act Amendments. To begin our year in review of the Amendments, Part I of this…
Joshua Chircop and Ella Vella Cardona
8th April 2026