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Commercial Sales Litigation

“As Is” Clause Held to Preclude Claim Arising From Seller’s Oral Representations That Damaged Parts on an Aircraft Were Repairable

The significance of “as is” language in an aircraft sales agreement is demonstrated again in a recent decision of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas.  In Red River Aircraft Leasing, LLC v. JetBrokers, Inc., the aircraft buyer had learned of hail damage to an aircraft during the course of negotiations, but was assured by the seller that the damaged parts were repairable.  Of course, after taking possession of the aircraft, the buyer learned that the parts in question were not repairable, and proceeded to sue the seller on a theory of negligent misspresentation.  The Federal Court, however, ruled that because the buyer had accepted the aircraft “as is” and “with all faults” in its purchase agreement, it would be unable to establish that it relied on the seller’s statement in buying the aircraft.  The court therefore entered a summary judgment for the seller, leaving the buyer without a remedy.

Missouri Governor Signs Bill Extending Sales Tax Exemption

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has now signed a bill extending indefinitely the exemption of aircraft replacement parts from the Missouri sales tax.