Article from BTNews 24 JANUARY 2022
Airbus v Qatar Airways *
The ongoing row between Airbus and Qatar Airways appears to be escalating with the British High Court getting very much involved.
In an unprecedented step the Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer has cancelled a Qatar order for 50 Airbus A320neos. Airbus verified the situation with a statement. “We confirm we did terminate the contract for 50 A321s with Qatar Airways in accordance with our rights”. This will mean that other airlines will move up the delivery position. The airline has currently 32 A320 series in service, due to be replaced by the new planes in 2024. It does not operate Boeing narrow bodied aircraft.
Pre-trial proceedings have taken place in the British High Court in the dispute over paint problems regarding Qatar’s grounding of 21 A350s with further deliveries halted.
On 20 January, Qatar Airways, began legal proceedings against Airbus in the Technology & Construction Court (TCC), a division of the High Court in England, seeking an expedited hearing to address what is claimed to be serious and legitimate safety concerns regarding the surface degradation condition adversely impacting the Airbus A350 fleet.
In a statement the airline goes on to say that it welcomes the decision of the Court to expedite this issue and order a hearing in April in an effort to bring about a more rapid resolution to the dispute.
www.airbus.com
www.qatarairways.com
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum
Michael Sadler, Newdigate UK
Do other operators of the A350 have the same problem?
Michael Sadler, Newdigate UK
Do other operators of the A350 have the same problem?
Tim Procter, United Kingdom
Not a good idea, Mr Airbus, to get into a fight with your customer in Court. Particularly when this customer has very deep pockets. Has Toulouse thought this one through I wonder?
James Shay, Melbourne, Australia
Who will win when it comes to Akbar v the latest in charge of Airbus? Methinks the man from Qatar will outmanoeuvre the latest in charge at Toulouse. And knows more about aircraft.