13 Jul 2012

Aborted CNMI airline sues Swift Air officials for 50 million US dollars

2:28 pm on 13 July 2012

Saipan Air Incorporated is suing four officials of Swift Air for 50 million US dollars for allegedly conspiring to obtain money and other property from the aborted Northern Marianas flag carrier.

Saipan Air is suing Donald Stukes, Jeffrey Conry, Hank Tobert, Boris Van Lier and 10 unnamed persons for fraud, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act and civil conspiracy.

Saipan Air was to be launched at the beginning of the month but Swift Air failed to deliver promised aircraft.

It has asked the U.S. District Court for the CNMI to hold the defendants liable to pay the company 50 million dollars in punitive damages, plus unspecified amounts in restitution, special damages, attorney's fees and court costs.

The airline is suing the four in their individual capacities because Swift Air filed for bankruptcy, preventing Saipan Air from lodging a case against it.