This article is part of a directory: The Qatar Airbus A350 Paint Conflict: A Timeline Of Events
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Qatar Airways and Airbus both saw some wins and losses in court this week. The biggest takeaway was the High Court's decision to approve a speedy trial, potentially set for a three-month period next summer. However, the court also dismisses arguments over the re-sale of produced A350s that Qatar refuses to accept. Let's explore further.

Going to trial

The Qatar Airways-Airbus fight has barreled into a full-blown legal conflict and is now headed for trial. According to Reuters, the High Court in London has accepted QR's argument that the question over the A350's protective covering is one of "public interest" and warrants a trial as quickly as possible. While this does not indicate anything about the final decision, the airline will see this as a win in its books.

However, Airbus didn't leave the court empty-handed. The judge allowed the European giant's request to not split the trial in two, removing the requirement for further technical analysis, and accepting the current research. Additionally, Airbus will be allowed to keep trying to deliver planes to Qatar Airways and has the power to resell the jets if it wants to.

Qatar Airways Airbus A350
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

With the contract still in place, Airbus will be able to claim economic damages from Qatar's failure to pay the fixed amounts it must. This could trigger massive payments were the case to fail next year and result in a loss for the Middle Eastern carrier. However, until then, Airbus is stuck holding onto dozens of A350 deliveries that are going nowhere.

Settlement could be on the cards

Airbus has long been pushing for the case to be privately settled rather than muddle through costly litigation. However, Qatar Airways has pushed that it is now a safety concern and must be looked at by the courts for a decision. In the judge's view, this case has already been too acrimonious, with Judge Waksman saying,

"At the moment this case looks unsettleable - that might change...The costs for both sides are way over the top in my judgment. There is far too much time that is being spent here."

Qatar Airways Aurbus A380 A350
Photo: Airbus

Once a multi-billion dollar partnership, Airbus and Qatar Airways are now openly accusing each other of risking lives and creating issues for their own economic interests. If all goes well, the two sides will come to a compromise, allowing some healing. If not, we are headed for a trial that will see confidential documents about the order enter the public area and be scrutinized by all.

What do you think about the ongoing Qatar Airways-Airbus legal dispute? Who will come out ahead in the next few months? Let us know in the comments!

Source: Reuters