Denver-based ultra-low-cost-carrier Frontier Airlines is slamming American Airlines with a lawsuit, calling out that there have been systematic lapses in safety for the Fort Worth-based airline. The claim, demands that its rival pay up compensation for the hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage that was caused to its aircraft, and the subsequent grounding of the damaged airplane.
This is the second lawsuit against American Airlines by Frontier, in relation to an incident that occurred back in November 2024, when a Boeing 777-200LR belonging to American clipped the wing of a parked Frontier Airbus A321 at the gate.
Repairs To The Damaged Airbus A321 Came To More Than $670,000
With the event analyzed by Paddle Your Own Kanoo (PYOK), Frontier Airlines was parked correctly at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) at gate E14A, awaiting its next scheduled flight, and was fully loaded with passengers about to push back. In the meantime, an American Airlines 777-200LR had just arrived, and it was making its way to the adjacent gate.
As the widebody approached the gate, the AA turned into its parking spot, and in the process, its wing clipped the sharklet of the budget carrier’s wing. This resulted in the airplane needing to be removed from service, and saw the outbound Frontier flight cancelled, displacing passengers and upending the airline’s flight plan.
The Frontier aircraft sustained considerable damage, which saw the plane removed from service for six days to undertake repairs. A Frontier Airlines lawyer has noted that these repairs came to a total cost of $670,387.45
Several Years Of Disagreement
Almost 12 months after the November 2024 incident occurred, American settled its first lawsuit with Frontier, agreeing to cover 50% of the repair bill, along with the substantial damages that were calculated from lost profits and additional operational costs that were a result of the A321’s grounding.
However, now Frontier is suing again, requesting that the Fort Worth-based legacy carrier cough up the remaining 50%, which is approximately $335,000. This comes on the back of another incident that occurred in Florida in a separate collision, with the lawsuits suggesting that there are systemic deficiencies in safety practices for the full-service carrier. In full, Frontier is claiming that AA is “on notice of systemic deficiencies in its safety practices, training, supervision, and compliance protocols, yet American failed to implement corrective measures.”
In March 2024, an incident occurred where another American Airlines aircraft struck a Frontier plane at Miami International Airport (MIA), except this time, the damage was so extensive that it forced the plane out of service for six months, instead of six days. This court case demanded that AA pay around $100,000 in damages and is expected to see both airlines go into mediation to find a resolution.
American Airlines Facing $100,000 Lawsuit From Frontier Over 2024 Miami Ground Collision
The collision at Miami International Airport on March 7, 2024, has left the carrier facing a six-figure lawsuit from its low-cost competitor.
History of Frontier and American Airlines Legal Disputes
Frontier Airlines, a Denver-based airline, continues to grow, with around 170 aircraft serving more than 120 domestic and international destinations. It currently operates from 15 bases across the country, and is owned by Indigo Partners (the same owners of European carrier Wizz Air, Mexican carrier Volaris, and Chilean carrier JetSmart).
Frontier was founded back in February 1994, taking off just five months later on July 5, 1994. Since then, the airline has expanded with the acquisition of more than 170 Airbus aircraft, which include a mix of the A320-200, A320neo, A321-200, and A321neo. The airline has more than 150 aircraft of the A320neo and A321neo on order.
As expected with an ULCC, the onboard experience is no-frills, with the cost of advanced seat selection, checked baggage, meals, and drinks available for a fee. The airline does, however, offer bundle fares that offer various upgrades and inclusions. This year, the airline also plans to roll out its first First Class product, which is set to complement its existing UpFront Plus economy seat option.
