Can someone please explain how a technical fault cannot be covered by EU261. If a handling agent or properly contracted supplier, damages an aircraft whilst in the course of their legitimate function around the aircraft they are surely acting as BA? BA should surely have a contract in place that ensures that in such circumstances the handling agent pays BA in full for all such resulting claims.

Friends recently flew Flyby from AMS and were delayed due to e technical fault. I urged them to claim and it was settled in full in 48 hours.