The ongoing legal battle between Airbus and Qatar Airways over damages to the painted surfaces and anti-lightning systems of the latter’s A350 fleet saw Boeing get dragged.
The case is being fought in a Qatar High Court. Airbus has acknowledged some flaws in the aircraft but reiterated that these jets are safe.
However, out of 53 jets, Qatar Airways has grounded some 28 aircraft. Airbus has even revoked the remaining A350 orders from the airline.
Qatar Airlines has asked Airbus to return deposits worth tens of millions of dollars. The plane maker countered it with the claims of pending credit payments from Qatar Airlines. It even asked the airline to pay $405 million as compensation.
Airbus has informed the court that it was seeking reimbursement, while Qatar Airways has accused the plane maker of trying to bring European regulators into the play. Boeing has now entered a legal battle.
Airbus revoked a deal with the airline for delivering 50 A321neo jets. While Qatar opted for Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing’s rival informed the court the MAX was as good as the A321. Despite the court asking the airline to hand over a preliminary version of the MAX contract to Airbus, Boeing objected to it.
“The disclosure of pricing information, that is dynamite,” Boeing’s lawyer told the court.
The matter will most probably be heading toward a London trial in mid-2023 if the contesting parties won’t opt for an amicable settlement.