AMR Sues Insurers Over Damage Claims

American Airlines parent AMR Corp. sued more than 90 insurers, asking to be indemnified against claims that the carrier’s operations have contaminated Los Angeles International Airport and 20 other airport sites. Government agencies and private parties have filed lawsuits and other actions against AMR, alleging its fueling and maintenance operations caused property damage at LAX and other airports. AMR’s suit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, seeks a court declaration obligating each insurer’s policy to indemnify AMR against the claims. Such a declaration would be binding on the insurers. U.S. Aviation Underwriters Inc., a New York-based managing agent for a group of insurance companies, could not be reached for comment. Shares of Fort Worth-based AMR shares fell 25 cents to close at $53.69 on the New York Stock Exchange.