PLL LOT demanded USD 153 million. compensation. The case concerns the leasing of Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which were grounded after two plane crashes.
See also: LOT demands a fortune from Boeing. It's about hiding the facts
Boeing wins against PLL LOT. A historical trial
After a two-week trial, the jury deliberated for three hours and ruled that the company was not guilty of concealing safety problems with the 737 MAX aircraft, reports Reuters.
The LOT case is the first lawsuit brought against Boeing by an airline in connection with the 737 MAX plane crashes.
The planes were grounded for almost two years after two foreign plane crashes involving the same Boeing models, i.e. Lion Air in 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines in 2019. They killed 189 and 157 people, respectively.
See also: Boeing's next problems. It is postponing aircraft deliveries, which will cost billions
Boeing allegedly misled
According to the lawyers of the Polish airlines, the American company allegedly misled LOT Polish Airlines regarding the risks associated with the leased Boeing 737 Max aircraft, in particular regarding the operation of the MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System), which affects flight control.
As Reuters wrote, Boeing also allegedly misled the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to avoid requiring training for pilots of older 737 models. According to LOT, this was a key argument during the negotiations that influenced the choice of the MAX instead of the competing Airbus A320. Former LOT chief operating officer Maciej Wilk testified before a jury that switching to Airbus planes would require “extensive and expensive” pilot training.
Boeing: we are satisfied
Boeing representatives rejected the allegations, stating in court that LOT still operates 737 MAX planes, which, according to the company, undermines the claims of “fraud on a multi-million scale.”
“We are pleased with today's jury verdict in our favor,” a Boeing spokesman said.
LOT issued a statement in which it accepted the jury's decision, but did not rule out an appeal. “Due to the fact that the legal process may not be completed yet, LOT will not comment further on the details of the proceedings at this stage,” the Polish company said.
Source: PAP
