Larry Silverstein, leaseholder of the World Trade Center properties, has asked a US federal judge to reject arguments that American Airlines is not liable for damages stemming from the September 11, 2001 hijackings because the attacks were an act of war.
The request comes ahead of a ruling by the same judge in a separate case to determine whether an "act of war" clause of a federal statute provides a defense to liability claims. If he rules in favour of that defense, airlines' could have a stronger defence against Silverstein.
In the new court papers, Silverstein contends AMR and American Airlines should be stopped from the "act of war" defense because the airline and its insurers "repeatedly and explicitly promised Congress, regulators and the American people that they would not use act of war to avoid paying claims" after the attacks.
Silverstein continues fight for damages
