Singapore Airlines and British Airways have agreed to drop the legal action against each other concerning first-class seats following talks in Singapore.
SIAand BAinitiated legal proceedings against each other after BAclaimed that the Singapore carrier had infringed BA’s patent when SIAintroduced its first-class seat beds or skysuites in 1998. BA introduced its own first-class sleeper seats in 1996.
A statement issued by SIA said: “SIAand BA have each acknowledged the other’s legitimate concerns that gave rise to this dispute and are happy to have found a sensible compromise.”
No payment will be made by either side as a result of the settlement which they said they will not be publishing details of for reasons of commercial confidentiality.
“Both of the carriers look forward to continuing their competition through their products and services rather than the law courts,” the statement added.
Both parties said they were happy with the outcome.