NEED TO KNOW
Eleven Japanese artworks were allegedly damaged in a rainstorm while being transported to New York by Alaska Airlines, according to a complaint obtained by PEOPLE
Damage to the original paintings exceed $521,900, according to the lawsuit
The insurance company that reimbursed the gallery is now seeking damages, interest and legal fees from the airline
A New York state art gallery is suing Alaska Airlines after the carrier allegedly allowed 11 pieces of Japanese artwork to sustain over half a million dollars in damages during a plane transfer in Honolulu.
Eleven original paintings were supposed to travel from Osaka, Japan, to New York City back in March, according to a civil complaint filed in the New York County Supreme Court obtained by PEOPLE. Naga Antiques LTD, a self-described “premier destination for antique furniture and Japanese screens” in Hudson, N.Y., used Compass Forwarding Co., in contract with Alaska Airlines, to bring the artwork to John F. Kennedy Airport, per the complaint.
While en route from Osaka to New York, a Hawaiian Airlines plane, operated by Alaska Airlines’ wholly-owned subsidiary, reportedly made a stop in Honolulu. There, the company allegedly “deplaned the artworks during a heavy rainstorm and made no effort to protect the artworks from water damage.” According to the complaint, the artworks were packed in cardboard crates.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii
Credit: Kevin Carter/Getty
“As a result, the artworks were soaked and sustained significant damage,’ the complaint says.
The complaint accuses the airline and shipping company of acting with “gross neglect” and “reckless disregard.” The rainstorm allegedly caused damage exceeding $521,900.
Artwork packed in cardboard crates
Credit: Getty
Pursuant to an insurance policy held by Naga Antiques, Distinguished Programs Insurance Brokerage LLC fully reimbursed the art gallery for the loss, according to the complaint. The insurance company has now taken over the legal rights of its policyholder and is seeking damages in excess of $521,900, plus accrued interest, court costs and attorney’s fees.
PEOPLE has reached out to Distinguished Programs Insurance Brokerage’s attorney, Alaska Airlines and Compass Forwarding Co. for comment.
Naga Antiques first opened in New York City in 1971 and later relocated to Hudson, according to the gallery’s website. They currently offer “an unparalleled collection of fine furniture, decorative objects, and over 600 exquisite Japanese screens,” claiming to have the world’s largest collection of its kind. Paintings available online start at $1,500.
According to Alaska Airlines’ air cargo FAQ webpage, “all shipments must be properly packed and packaged to ensure safe transportation for your contents.” The carrier makes note of any “packaging deficiencies” and says it “will not be liable for damages incurred as a direct result of the stated deficiencies or cited inherent defect.”
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Compass Forwarding website says it has over 35 years of experience handling high-end fine art. The company claims to use customized packing and crating for safe transport.
Read the original article on People