British Airways files lawsuit over Jet Bridge incident

Friday, March 1, 2024

British Airways has initiated legal action against PrimeFlight Aviation Services Canada, Inc., accusing the company of causing damage to a Boeing 777 engine with a jet bridge at Vancouver International Airport. The legal proceedings, which were set in motion with a notice of civil claim filed in the B.C. Supreme Court on February 26, also list an unidentified employee, referred to as John Doe, as a defendant.

The basis of the lawsuit revolves around an agreement, dated March 1, 2021, under which PrimeFlight was contracted to provide various ground handling services including marshalling, limited guidance systems, and parking.

Specifically, on October 26, 2022, PrimeFlight was tasked with the responsibility of positioning the jet bridge at Gate 58 to accommodate the aircraft without inflicting any harm. However, allegations in the court documents suggest that the bridge was improperly positioned too low, resulting in the aircraft’s engine making contact with the bridge and sustaining damage.

British Airways contends that PrimeFlight violated the terms of their contractual agreement by failing to ensure the jet bridge was positioned in a manner that would avoid damage to the aircraft. Additionally, the airline accuses PrimeFlight of negligence for not having adequately trained personnel to operate the equipment safely. The lawsuit also attributes negligence directly to the employee identified as John Doe, who was operating the jet bridge at the time of the incident.

As of yet, these claims have not been substantiated in a court of law, leaving the allegations unproven. Attempts to solicit a response from PrimeFlight’s headquarters in Texas regarding the lawsuit have reportedly gone unanswered, adding an air of uncertainty to the ongoing legal dispute.

This incident highlights the critical importance of operational safety and training within the aviation industry, especially in the context of ground handling services where the margin for error is minimal.

The lawsuit not only seeks to address the specific damages incurred by British Airways but also underscores the broader implications of ensuring that airport operations are conducted with the utmost care and competence. As the legal process unfolds, the aviation community will be keenly watching for the outcomes of this case and the lessons that may be learned in terms of enhancing safety protocols and training standards across the industry.

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