American and United Airlines agreed to US$95,1 million (R1 billion) settlement with the World Trade Center's developer over September 11, 2001 attacks, thus ending 13 years of litigation.

According to court papers, insurers will cover the payout to the World Trade Center Properties, which is owned by developer Larry Silverstein.

6 weeks before the attacks Silverstein had signed a 99-year lease for the site, owned by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Following the suicide airliner attacks which felled the Twin Towers, Larry Silverstein received from his insurers US$4.55 billion in settlements after years of negotiations.

He also fought to receive damages from American Airlines and United Airlines, whose hijacked planes were used in the attacks. Initially, the developer sought US$12,3-billion from the airport security companies and the airlines.

Now the sides have reached a settlement which must be approved by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City by hijackers loyal to Al-Qaeda killed over 2,750 people.

Another hijacked plane hit Washington's Pentagon, while a 4th crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Around 3,000 people died in the attacks.