In this edition:
High speed rail: Unlocking the opportunity
Europe is entering a new era of high-speed rail investment. Driven by decarbonisation goals, growing demand for sustainable transport and a renewed focus on connectivity, governments and investors are backing ambitious projects that will reshape how people and goods move across borders. Our latest High Speed Rail Report explores the opportunities emerging across Europe and beyond, examining the policy, funding and delivery trends that are accelerating market growth. Drawing on insights from industry leaders and our experience advising on major transport and infrastructure projects, the report highlights the challenges, opportunities and strategic considerations shaping the future of high-speed rail.
Read the report here.
Rich make millions flipping private jets
We were delighted this month, to see Addleshaw Goddard’s Aviation Finance Specialist, Barbara Pansadoro sharing her insights in the Financial Times article exploring the growing trend of private jet owners making substantial profits by reselling newly delivered aircraft into a buoyant secondary market. Strong demand, lengthy manufacturer backlogs and supply chain constraints have created shortages of desirable models, allowing some owners to sell their aircraft for millions more than the original purchase price.
Click here to read the article in full.
UK Right to Work obligations expanded
On 1 October 2026, the UK's Right to Work (RTW) regime significantly changed with new legislation extending the scope of RTW obligations beyond 'traditional employees'. These changes are likely to impact businesses in the transport sector, where contingent labour and subcontracting arrangements can be common practice.
Prior to 1 October 2026, employers were required to carry out RTW checks on directly employed individuals. Since 1 October 2026, the RTW scope has expanded to cover other individuals, and a new concept of 'extended liability' has been introduced whereby an organisation within a supply chain may be held to be liable for illegal working within the chain even if that organisation does not employ or otherwise have a direct contractual relationship to the illegal worker. The civil penalty for illegal working can involve a fine of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. The updated RTW scheme focuses on a wider cohort of individuals, principally (i) individuals engaged as workers (ii) individuals engaged as part of a sub-contracting arrangement, and (ii) individuals engaged via an 'online matching services' arrangement.
It is critical that businesses audit their workforce and ensure that (i) their RTW arrangements going forward are complaint with the new requirements, and (ii) where appropriate, that commercial terms with other businesses and labour providers are updated to ensure adequate protection for the business from an immigration compliance and extended liability risk perspective.
For a more detailed insight into the changes, we recommend reading our insights here, and here.
Transport employers need to plan for new duty to inform workers of right to join a trade union
The UK government is introducing a new duty for employers to inform workers of their rights to join a trade union as part of its strategy to modernise its industrial relations framework. On 25 September 2026, it published details of what employers should do to comply with the new duty which is coming into force on 1 January 2027. This means that transport employers only have three months to prepare for the changes – to update their templates and consider the practicalities of providing the required information including how best to make the information available on an ongoing basis for all their workers across the business.
Read our insight for what you need to know.
New EU Procurement rules: What transport businesses need to know
Transport businesses that deliver public services, infrastructure projects or technology solutions into the public sector should be closely watching the European Commission's proposed new Regulation on Public Contracts and Concessions. The proposal would replace the current procurement directives with a single EU-wide framework, potentially reshaping how transport operators, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers compete for public contracts across Europe. The proposed act will also affect the application of 1370/2007 Regulation.
For many transport sector businesses, the most immediate impact is likely to be the increased focus on security and resilience. Contracting authorities may be required to assess ownership structures, cybersecurity measures, supply chain resilience and broader organisational trustworthiness when awarding contracts. This could be particularly important for businesses involved in rail, ports, airports, logistics and other critical transport infrastructure.
The proposals also place greater emphasis on supply chain transparency. Businesses may be expected to provide more detailed information about key suppliers, subcontractors and sourcing arrangements, while demonstrating that they have robust contingency plans in place. Companies with complex international supply chains should consider whether their current arrangements can withstand this heightened scrutiny.
At the same time, the proposed reforms could create opportunities. Greater weighting on quality, innovation and sustainability may benefit transport businesses that can demonstrate strong environmental credentials, innovative technologies, reliable service delivery and resilient operating models, rather than competing on price alone.
Now is a good time for transport businesses to review their procurement strategies, assess supply chain risks and ensure that their sustainability and resilience credentials are clearly evidenced.
For further information, read our briefing: New EU Public Procurement Regulation – Key changes for businesses.
Don't Miss: AI-Driven Transformation Event
Ambition for technology transformation and AI is high. The opportunity is turning that ambition into lasting business value. We interviewed 200 GCs and CTOs to understand what successful technology transformation looks like and the factors helping organisations turn technology and AI investment into meaningful results. On 10th November, we will bring together senior business, technology and legal leaders at one of London’s most innovative venues for the exclusive launch of Successful Technology Transformation in the Age of AI, developed with FT Longitude.
Register your interest here.
