This article is part of a directory: The Qatar Airbus A350 Paint Conflict: A Timeline Of Events
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In a new twist to the Qatar Airways and Airbus dispute, the airline has had yet more orders revoked by the European planemaker. Today, Reuters is reporting that Airbus has canceled an order for two A350-1000s, as was revealed in the manufacturer's new orders and delivery data, released today.

The orders and deliveries statement from Airbus showed that January 2022 has seen 30 deliveries to 20 customers. It has also secured 36 new orders. However, the interesting data is contained within the planemaker’s detailed customer tables.

Here, it states that Qatar Airways has just 40 A350-1000 outstanding. This is down from the original 42 that were ordered, indicating that Airbus has canceled its commitment with the airline for two airframes. 19 have already been delivered to Qatar, leaving a backlog of 21.

A qatar A350 taking off
Photo: Getty Images

The news comes just days after it was revealed that Airbus would cancel Qatar Airways’ A321neo order in retaliation for its handling of the dispute. The latest cancelation leaves the planemaker with very little left to deliver to Qatar. In fact, the only aircraft left open on the order book are its 21 remaining A350-1000s, and it remains to be seen if all those aircraft stay on the books.

What’s the dispute about?

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or so, Qatar Airways is unhappy with the condition of the paint on its delivered A350s from Airbus. The ruckus started back in early 2021, when it was revealed that Qatar was ‘unhappy’ with Airbus. At the time, the CEO stated it was nothing to do with paint, but nevertheless stopped taking delivery of any new A350s until the problem was resolved.

However, by the start of the autumn, it was clear that this was indeed a paint issue. Up to that point, it had only been noted that there was some sort of ‘cracking’ issue, but Qatar was now ready to shine a light on the problem. Shortly after coming clean, it became apparent that it was not only Qatar who had noted some issues with the paint finish.

Qatar Airways, Airbus A350, Paint Damage
The airline shared a video of the damage. Photo: Qatar Airways via YouTube

Most recently, Qatar has sought legal assessment in its complaints over the paintwork. Indeed, the UK’s investment minister even offered to mediate, but the airline has pressed on and has issued legal proceedings against Airbus at London’s High Court.

The airline took the bold step of going public with the problem earlier this month. It released a damning video of at least three of its A350s, detailing the problems it is dealing with. Airbus responded by canceling its 50-plane A321neo order entirely.

Lost customer

Since the row with Airbus came to a head, Qatar has been courting its rival Boeing. Indeed, it placed a huge order for the 777X freighter and the 737 MAX during the Emir's visit to the United States.

For Airbus, it looks like this is the end of a longstanding friendship.