A British judge has ordered Airbus to postpone the practical consequences of canceling Qatar Airways’ $6 billion jet order for several weeks as two of aviation’s most powerful players are locked in an escalating legal battle. Qatar Airways has been locked in a legal dispute with Europe’s Airbus company since a delivery of A350 jets raised legitimate safety concerns.
Until a hearing in early April at which Qatar Airways plans to seek an injunction reinstating the contract, the manufacturer will be unable to take advantage of the early delivery slots for the in-demand A321neo plane. Qatar Airlines has been suing Airbus for $600 million over safety concerns while some of its A350s have been grounded over surface flaws.
Although Airbus acknowledges quality issues, it accuses the airline of misrepresenting them as safety issues to secure compensation. Airbus revoked a deal with Qatar for 50 A321neos in January, alleging its refusal to accept the A350s had triggered a joint clause that linked the two deals.