Lufthansa and Ryanair settle dispute over leased planes

Lufthansa and Ryanair-backed Laudamotion settled a dispute over leasing contracts, avoiding a London court hearing that was scheduled for November, both airlines said Tuesday. Lufthansa said in July it wanted to end an agreement to lease planes to Laudamotion, claiming the Austrian leisure airline had failed to meet payments. A London court was scheduled to start proceedings in the case next month, as Laudamotion rejected the allegations. To resolve the row, the Austrian group would return the 9 aircraft, which it leased from Lufthansa, during the first half of 2019, Laudamotion and Lufthansa said. "On that basis the parties have settled the litigation between them," they said. "The matter will not therefore be heard by the High Court in London in Nov 2018." <br/>