Interview with a contemporary witness
Prof. Dr. Müller-Rostin, when did you start working for Delvag and how did your career develop?
I started working in the legal department of Lufthansa in 1977. In 1981 I was asked to set up Delvag's first legal department. At that time, Delvag was one of three Lufthansa subsidiaries, along with Condor and LSG. All legal matters of these subsidiaries had previously been handled by Lufthansa's legal department.
How did you come to specialise in the particular field of aviation law?
As a student, I earned money by working as a sleeping car conductor for Deutsche Bahn. I then spent three months of my legal clerkship, which every lawyer has to do, in the legal department of Lufthansa. Having already known one mode of transport - the railways - I wanted to get to know another - Lufthansa.
After my legal traineeship, I already knew that I wanted to return to Lufthansa after my exams. When I started writing my dissertation, this wish came back to me.
Now, of course, I had to familiarise myself with aviation law, as the subject was virtually non-existent in my studies. That's why I dealt with aviation law, at least in part, for my doctoral thesis. I acquired the necessary knowledge in my daily work, through self-study at home or at conferences - in other words, “learning by doing”. I was soon able to give presentations at these conferences myself.
What were your daily tasks with us?
Setting up the Delvag subsidiaries Albatros and Delvag Rück were two major areas of work, especially at the beginning. In addition, my daily task was to assess and settle claims. Gradually I was joined by a larger group of other specialists in my field. The legal issues we dealt with ranged from bodily injury and cargo damage cases to aircraft hull cases, transport insurance cases and other legal issues. I also advised our board of directors on all legal matters, and for many years was secretary to the board of directors.
What made your work special?
The special thing about the job was the international focus, because aviation is an international business and damage doesn't just happen in Germany, but all over the world. I had contact with many interesting people from all over the world - mainly lawyers. That certainly enriched my day-to-day work.
Do you have any particular experiences you would like to talk about?
I always like to think back to the many nice colleagues I enjoyed working with. When I retired, it was initially difficult to no longer work with these people on a daily basis. The collegiality and friendly atmosphere within the Delvag Group was always pleasant. I always felt very comfortable personally, whether in my department, among the department heads (all men at the time) or with the Management Board. We got on well together and were able to discuss things together. An all-around positive experience.
What makes the field of aviation law so exciting for you?
The fact that it is international. Aviation transcends borders and not just European borders, but worldwide. It's a fascinating field because you have to deal with different national legal systems and equally different ways of thinking and attitudes. As an aviation lawyer, I had to deal with people from completely different parts of the world. That has fascinated me throughout my working life. Even today, I am still enthusiastic about aviation law and find the subject matter as such highly stimulating and fulfilling.
What do you consider to be the most important legislation or regulations that you have dealt with?
One piece of legislation that applies almost worldwide and has been ratified by around 135 countries is the 1999 „Montreal Convention on Liability“. We are all protected by this Convention when we fly. By applying it, passengers and airlines know how liability is regulated. It is, in fact, the essential tool for lawyers in the field of passenger and cargo transport by air. Then there is the „Passenger Rights Regulation“, which is also very important.
You are a consultant and lecturer. Do you see any changes in the aviation sector in the future?
I still have a few smaller consultancy assignments and also have teaching assignments in Germany and abroad, which I still enjoy. These activities are also interesting because you can see how aviation, and therefore aviation law, is changing. Of course, aviation is not the same as it was 50 years ago and there are many new things that need to be regulated. For example, for drones, which are considered aircraft. The next step will be for suborbital or even commercial flights to the moon, where the question arises as to whether or not they are still part of air traffic and therefore subject to aviation law. Providing scientific support for such issues is still an interesting and exciting task.
Is there anything you would like to wish Delvag on its anniversary?
First of all, I think it's a fantastic achievement that Delvag is 100 years old this year. This is not only a sign of stability, but also of the value and appreciation of the company and its employees. After all, not every company gets that old these days.
I wish all employees that their knowledge and skills in this special field will continue to be recognised and valued, and that Delvag will continue to be successful for another 100 years.
Thank you Prof. Dr. Müller-Rostin for your time and the interview!
The interview was held by Tamara Gmelin, Corporate Communications.