A British judge on Tuesday rejected a request from Qatar Airways to force Airbus to continue making… A321 Neo aircraftin a setback for the airline in its broader legal dispute with the aircraft giant.
The decision means the European planemaker is free to market the ordered planes to other airlines, while the two sides continue to separate disputes over the safety of the larger A350s.
In January, Airbus canceled the A321neo deal in response to Qatar’s refusal to take delivery of the A350s in a separate legal and safety dispute over surface damage to the larger plane.
The decision to cancel the “A321neo” deal has alarmed some airlines, as the head of the International Air Transport Association described it as a “worrying” development in one corner of the market, where “Airbus” enjoys the majority of new orders.
Airbus accuses Qatar Airways, the largest customer of the A350, of sowing “false” safety concerns to avoid taking delivery of planes at a time when demand is weakening, and to seek compensation of $1 billion.
Qatar Airways says it is right to stop taking deliveries of the A350 over what it describes as real safety concerns from the regulator in Doha, about gaps or corrosion in the lightning protection film, which has become exposed due to cracked paint on more than 20 aircraft. A350 has been grounded.