Airbus confirmed today the revocation of all remaining Qatar Airways orders for A350 aircraft, according to Reuters. According to the agency, spokesmen for the European aerospace manufacturer said the company withdrew the remaining 19 aircraft from the order book.
The cancellation, which was revealed in monthly order data released today, confirmed a possibility that had already been advanced in August. At the time, it had signalled a surprising new twist in the dispute between the two companies since the Qatari airline claimed that paint on new aircraft was peeling and exposing the material underneath.
Following the initial complaint, Qatar Airways grounded 21 aircraft that it said could pose a risk to passengers. In addition, it suspended deliveries that were still pending. However, the manufacturer has always maintained that the aircraft are completely safe.
Initially, Qatar Airways was supposed to have a fleet of up to 74 Airbus A350. Of this total, 34 would be A350-900 and the remaining 40 would be the larger A350-1000. However, the remaining deliveries will not materialise in the end.
Airbus said it received orders for 843 aircraft between January and August this year, a net total of 637, after cancellations that included routine order revokes by customers and equipment withheld by the manufacturer from Qatar Airways.
With the confirmation of the move, the airline will only maintain firm orders with Airbus’ biggest competitor, US-based Boeing. Recently, Qatar Airways confirmed orders for the 737 MAX 10 and 777X.
