Airbus v Qatar Airways *– Continued

Qatar Airways has lost the opening round in a row with Airbus over aircraft deliveries.

As suggested by BTN, a London High Court ruling last week only partially resolved a problem which revolves around the alleged skin-paint deterioration on Qatar Airways’ last delivered Airbus A350s.

Mr Justice Waksman dismissed a request from the airline to reverse the termination of Qatar Airways’ order for 50 A321neos.  Airbus had cancelled the A321 order, citing a cross-default clause following breach of contract, after Qatar refused to accept delivery of further A350s.

Qatar Airways had argued that Airbus could not cancel the A321neos and had sought an injunction to force the manufacturer to deliver the aircraft.

The ruling means that Qatar could go into the market for any Airbus A320 series aircraft that might be available or seek out what Boeing has to offer in terms of delivery and price.  Or re-assesses its own short-haul plans.  

The airline currently operates 32 A320s; and 53 A350s of which over 20 are grounded with 21 to be delivered.  With the A321 it is not known if Qatar Airways has the right of appeal.  

www.airbus.com

www.qatarairways.com

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Jeff Singer, Manchester

What is going to happen at Doha when Qatar Airways hosts the IATA AGM?