BAE faces £120m lawsuit over decision to scrap support for aid aircraft
BAE Systems is facing a £120 million lawsuit from EnComm Aviation, a Kenya-based aid cargo operator, over its decision to withdraw support for Advanced Turbo-Prop aircraft used in humanitarian missions. The withdrawal allegedly grounded EnComm's fleet, disrupting aid deliveries to crisis-affected regions including South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. EnComm claims the move breached BAE's duty of care and caused significant financial and operational damage.
- ▪EnComm Aviation delivered 18,677 tonnes of aid using ATP aircraft to six African countries between March 2023 and September 2025.
- ▪BAE Systems' decision to revoke support for the ATP fleet led to the cancellation of key humanitarian contracts, including a UN programme in Somalia.
- ▪EnComm is seeking £120 million in damages, arguing the aircraft lost all value beyond scrap due to BAE's actions.
- ▪The lawsuit alleges that BAE gave assurances of continued support for at least five years, which influenced EnComm's operational planning.
- ▪BAE Systems reported record sales of over £30 billion, driven by increased global defence spending amid rising military tensions.
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Ground crew unloading an EnComm Aviation aircraft carrying aid. The Kenya-based operator is suing BAE for effectively grounding its fleet. Photograph: Encomm AviationView image in fullscreenGround crew unloading an EnComm Aviation aircraft carrying aid. The Kenya-based operator is suing BAE for effectively grounding its fleet. Photograph: Encomm AviationGlobal developmentBAE faces £120m lawsuit over decision to scrap support for aid aircraftEnComm Aviation says the firm’s action has cut off vital support for crisis-hit countries including South Sudan and the DRCSupported byAbout this contentMark TownsendFri 1 May 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 02.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleBritain’s biggest weapons manufacturer, BAE Systems, is facing a £120m lawsuit after…
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