American Airlines files $1mn suit against Zodiac

American Airlines (AA,Dallas/Fort Worth) has filed a USD1 million breach-of-contract suit against the US subsidiary of French seat manufacturer Zodiac Aerospace following lengthy delays in the delivery of business class seats for American's Dreamliner and B777-200ER fleets, the latter of which is being refurbished. 

The Dallas-based carrier is seeking a court order stating that it properly terminated its December 2010 purchase agreement with Zodiac Seats US LLC as a result of the delays. AA also claims it may be liable for penalties payable to Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) as result of the late delivery of seats. 

American was forced to park several B787-8s at Victorville late last year while the waiting for Zodiac to fulfil its order.

For its part, a Zodiac Seats US LLC's plant at Newport, Washington was rocked by an explosion this year leaving parts of the factory unsafe to enter and causing a number of delays in seat deliveries to aircraft assembly lines.

American is now looking for a new vendor to ensure supply of seats to its B777s as well as its incoming B787-9 fleet which is due to enter service next year.