Sydney, October 28 A man in Sydney is seeking up to 600,000 dollars in damages from British Airways, alleging he was forced to endure a long-haul flight in a broken seat.

Engineer Richard John Pattison, from Concord, claims he injured his neck as he attempted to remain upright for the entire 12-hour flight from London to Shanghai in September 2006 because his seat would not recline.

The 64-year-old told the court he could not be moved because the flight was full and the awkward angle of the seat subsequently left him with excruciating pain and unable to raise his head from the pillow without assistance later, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

Pattison, who had been on a business trip, alleges he consequently had to hire more workers and readjust his working hours as chief executive of a plastics manufacturing company.

The airline, on the other hand, denied being held responsible for Pattison's injuries, saying he failed to use a pillow to support his neck and did not adopt an "ergonomically suitable position" during the flight.

The case continues. (ANI)