BAE Systems facing $160m lawsuit over humanitarian aid aircraft
A humanitarian aid firm is suing BAE Systems for $160 million after the company revoked the airworthiness of its aircraft, cutting off vital aid deliveries.Summary
EnComm Limited, a Kenya-based humanitarian aid air cargo operator, has filed a $160 million lawsuit against BAE Systems in the UK High Court. The claim alleges that BAE Systems breached its duty of care by unilaterally withdrawing support for EnComm's aircraft. The dispute stems from a 2024 agreement where EnComm was assured support as long as one aircraft remained in operation. However, a year later, BAE Systems announced its intention to surrender the aircraft's type certificate to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, effectively grounding the fleet. EnComm, which was the sole remaining operator of BAE's Advanced Turbo-Prop (ATP) aircraft, used these planes to deliver over 18,677 metric tonnes of aid to countries including Somalia and South Sudan. The company claims the decision was made without consultation or formal notice, rendering its fleet worthless. BAE Systems is reportedly shifting its focus toward defense projects amid increased NATO military spending.
(Source：Lancashire Telegraph)