The Vilnius Regional Court has ruled in favour of charter flight company “GetJet Airlines” in a legal dispute against tour operator “Novaturas.” The court found that “Novaturas” unlawfully terminated a charter flight agreement and awarded “GetJet Airlines” €1.65 million in damages, along with 8% annual interest.
The court rejected “Novaturas’ ” argument that force majeure circumstances prevented them from fulfilling their obligations under the charter flight agreement after the COVID-19 quarantine was lifted. Additionally, the court dismissed “Novaturas’ ” request to be exempted from contractual civil liability for force majeure circumstances.
The dispute stemmed from a long-term charter flight service agreement signed in 2018, with a collaboration planned to continue for six years. “Novaturas” had informed “GetJet Airlines” in advance that they did not intend to continue the contract beyond 2022, but they unilaterally terminated it at the end of 2020 without adhering to the contract’s terms, leading to legal proceedings.
The court’s decision affirmed that such unilateral contract terminations and unjustified non-performance of long-term obligations are unacceptable in a legal business environment. “GetJet Airlines” was awarded damages for their losses, including interest, and “Novaturas” will need to pay an additional €1.15 million along with 8% annual interest from January 1, 2021.
