'Fearful' opera singer sues over noisy luxury jet

The Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli is suing an air charter firm that specializes in luxury jet service, alleging the company provided him with an older, noisier airplane than agreed upon during a US tour last year.

The lawsuit filed by Bocelli, 64, in New Hampshire also says Private Jet Services of Seabrook violated the terms of its contract when the crew on one flight announced that Bocelli and his party should expect a bumpy ride before landing on a flight from California to Cleveland.

Bocelli, a tenor who performs around the world, has a fear of flying. He is asking for treble damages of the refund of the US$569,800 (HK$4.4 million) he paid for 15 flights, the amount he paid for alternative flight arrangements, lawyers' fees and damages.

The specifications included the acceptable model and year of manufacture of the jet that ideally should not be older than four years, as well as requirements for on-board services.

"He is also not a very keen flyer, as he has fear of flying and can feel anxiety related to safety issues during air travel," said the suit.

The lawsuit says that Bocelli's representative contracted with the company to fly him around the United States during a concert tour in November and December of last year.