Qatar Airways launches legal battle
23 / 12 / 2021
Qatar Airways is seeking a US$600m payout from Airbus following issues with its Airbus 350 fleet. Photo: Airbus
Qatar Airways has issued legal proceedings against Airbus in the Technology and Construction Court of London’s High Court of Justice.
The airline said it has taken the action because it has “failed in all our attempts to reach a constructive solution with Airbus in relation to the accelerated surface degradation condition adversely impacting the Airbus A350 aircraft”.
Qatar Airways said it currently has 21 A350 aircraft grounded by the condition. These passenger aircraft encompass significant bellyhold capacity, while notably, the legal move has put a damper on any future freighter orders.
The airline added: “We strongly believe that Airbus must undertake a thorough investigation of this condition to conclusively establish its full root cause. Without a proper understanding of the root cause of the condition, it is not possible for Qatar Airways to establish whether any proposed repair solution will rectify the underlying condition.”
The Technology and Construction Court handles disputes about buildings, engineering and surveying. The court is part of the Business and Property Court of the High Court of Justice.
