Dispute escalates: Airbus revokes more plane orders from Qatar Airways.
Dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways deepened on Tuesday when the European planemaker revoked orders for two A350-1000 jets, days after ripping up an order from the Gulf carrier for 50 A321neos.
Qatar Airways has sued Airbus for more than $600 million and is refusing to take delivery of further A350s until its regulator receives a formal analysis of erosion to the painted surface and underlying lightning protection on 21 of the jets.
→ Qatar Airways releases video, hits back at Airbus in A350 paint dispute.
Airbus, which has two completed A350s ready for delivery to Qatar Airways, has said it has provided the necessary information on the problem of surface degradation and that the damage does not amount to a safety issue, Reuters reported.
The planemaker said in a UK court filing last month that it was declaring Qatar Airways in default on two A350 jets that were completed and ready to be delivered.
It also took the unusual step of cancelling an order for 50 A321neo jets on the grounds that the alleged default on the larger planes had triggered a clause allowing it to revoke the order for A321neos, which are in high demand.
→ Qatar Airways orders 34 777X freighters, with option for 16 more.
The airline has denied in legal arguments that it has broken its contract by refusing to take two A350s waiting on the tarmac in Toulouse. It also says Airbus is not entitled to claim a “cross-default” allowing it to cancel the A321neo deal.
An Airbus spokesman said on Tuesday the company had “terminated delivery positions for two A350s for Qatar Airways in full compliance with our rights”.
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