Qatar Airways condemned what it described as a “provocative” decision taken by aircraft maker Airbus Cancellation of an order for A321neo aircraft While seeking to obtain a court ruling to prevent the cancellation of the deal.
Airbus said last month it had pulled out of the deal because Qatar Airways had breached a separate contract in a dispute over defects in the decks of larger A350 planes, which the airline denies.
The two companies have been involved in a dispute over the A350’s long-haul coating flaws and corrosion in the lightning protection layer.
Qatar has stopped 21 of those planes and refuses to receive more. While Airbus says it is safe to fly.
Despite placing an initial order for 25 or more competing Boeing 737 MAX aircraft last month, Qatar Airways has not given up its hopes of receiving the A321neo order and is seeking an injunction from a British court to prevent the deal from being cancelled.
At Friday’s hearing, a British judge rejected Airbus’ request to delay the discussion on the A321neo by five weeks and ordered it not to take any action for now that would make it unable to comply with the A321neo order if Qatar wins the case.
Qatar Airways has accused Airbus of canceling the A321neo deal to pressure it into a dispute over damaged A350 jets.