New England Patriots Sue Eastern Airlines for $22.8 Million Over Alleged Contract Breach
The New England Patriots (NEP), a prominent American football team, has initiated legal action against Eastern Airlines, seeking damages totaling at least $22.8 million. The lawsuit, filed in the New York Southern District Court, alleges that Eastern Airlines failed to fulfill its contract to provide air charters using two leased B767-300ERs for six seasons of the team’s National Football League (NFL) away games.
According to the complaint filed on October 3, 2023, the NEP, along with 2/25/94 LLC, the entity that leased the aircraft, is pursuing double or treble damages and reimbursement for attorney’s fees. The accusations include claims of commercial extortion under the Massachusetts Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The NEP contends that Eastern Airlines, midway through a six-year contract in July 2023, attempted to coerce the Patriots into renegotiating the existing agreement by presenting an ultimatum. The airline allegedly demanded additional payment beyond the initial agreement or threatened to terminate the contract. Such termination would have left the team without an air service provider on the eve of the upcoming NFL season, creating a last-minute crisis for transporting players, coaches, and personnel.
Despite no contractual basis for Eastern Airlines’ demand, the NEP parties terminated the contract and are now seeking damages of no less than $22.8 million. This amount accounts for the costs incurred in securing a replacement air services operator for the remaining three seasons.
The contract, dated June 29, 2020, outlined the dry lease of two B767-300ERs, namely N36NE (msn 25193) and N225NE (msn 25194). Both aircraft are currently in storage at Fort Worth Alliance, as indicated by the ch-aviation fleets advanced module. The original contract term was slated to run from July 2020 through February 21, 2026.
Eastern Airlines is yet to provide a comment on the lawsuit. Stay tuned for updates on the legal proceedings and the outcome of the New England Patriots’ claim against Eastern Airlines.