Qatar Airways loses UK court bid to force Airbus to supply A321neo
The UK’s high court has denied a request by Qatar Airways to force Airbus to keep building A321neo jetliners for the airline as part of a wider public $1bn (£786m) bust-up that has implications for other future multibillion-dollar jet deals.
The preliminary ruling by a UK judge means the European plane manufacturer is free to market the popular smaller jets to other carriers, while the two sides remain locked in a separate disagreement over the safety of larger A350 jets.
The 16-month dispute stems from claims made by Qatar Airways that peeling and cracking paint on the A350 aircraft made by Airbus poses safety issues in the event of a lightning strike. Airbus argues it is a maintenance rather than a safety issue.
In January, the Toulouse-based aircraft maker revoked a $6bn deal for 50 single-aisle, short-haul A321neo jets in retaliation for Qatar’s refusal to take A350s. This prompted the airline to take the case to the high court, arguing that the cancellation of the A321neo jet order was a breach of contract.
The planemaker said it was pleased with the “court’s decision in recognising Airbus’ position that a transparent and trustful cooperation is essential in our industry”.
It added: “The litigation is about the misrepresentation on the safety and airworthiness of the A350, which we will continue to defend, as well as the reputation of its operators and the rules governing aviation safety in the face of unjustified claims.”
It said it would monitor the court’s decisions for the timetable on Tuesday. The court will set out a schedule that could lead to the case coming to trial, possibly during the football World Cup in Doha in November.
Qatar Airways has been contacted for comment.
Airbus’s decision to cancel the A321neo deal
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