Qatar loses court case against Airbus over terminated A321 contract

Airbus terminated a contract of 50 A321neo aircraft after the airline filed a legal case over surface damage across its A350 wide-body fleet.

The Qatari flag carrier, Qatar Airways lost a court case on Tuesday against the European multinational aircraft manufacturer, Airbus to prevent the latter from terminating a contract for 50 A321 neo aircraft.

Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350 aircraft

Major set back

Under the verdict issued by London’s High Court judge, David Waksman Airbus was cleared to terminate the contract and resell the aircraft to other customers. Moreover, it compels the gulf airline to pay Airbus $331,000 in legal fees over the next two weeks.

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The verdict marks a major setback for the airline in the sprawling legal dispute with the aircraft manufacturing giant.

Safety concerns

Airbus terminated a contract of 50 A321neo aircraft after the airline filed a legal case over surface damage across its A350 wide-body fleet, citing safety concerns and seeking $982 million in compensation.

“Qatar can source alternative aircraft to make up for the shortfall in A321s meant to join the service during the fourth quarter of 2023,” the judge said, noting that leased aircraft could cover the airline’s operational needs.

Credit: AviationBusiness.Com

Wole Shadare