Back in early June of 2021, we reported that Qatar Airways had halted deliveries of brand new Airbus A350s. For the few who are still unaware, this move was a reaction to a dispute over the quality and condition of A350 paintwork, with the airline experiencing surface degradation that it (and Qatari civil aviation regulators) find concerning. Amid the refusal to take the new jets, what has Airbus been doing with the carrier's undelivered A350s?

Test flights, engine runs, and taxi checks

According to data sourced from AIB Family Flights, Airbus continues to keep Qatar Airways' A350s in good working condition, with various maintenance activities being undertaken at regular intervals.

It appears that there are three built but undelivered A350-1000s seemingly 'stuck' in Toulouse due to Qatar Airways' refusal to take the jets. These aircraft are as follows:

  • A7-AOA (MSN 409) - First flight taken on September 1st, 2021
  • A7-ANT (MSN 430) - First flight on November 18th, 2021
  • A7-AOB (MSN 438) - First flight on January 27th, 2022

With the dispute between the two companies dragging on (and very much escalating) over the past few months, Airbus has been forced to take care of the aircraft to ensure they remain in good working order. This appears to take the form of engine runs and taxi checks, which have been taking place every three to five weeks.

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The very first Qatar Airways A350-1000 was delivered in 2018. Photo: Airbus

Recent activity for the three jets

With the court case still ongoing, Airbus continues to ensure the aircraft are in good shape.

The aircraft with MSN 409 remains at Airbus' main facility in Toulouse, having had engine runs and taxi checks on April 5th and April 20th. Days ago, on April 21st, a test flight was conducted with the aircraft. This latest flight is the aircraft's 8th.

Meanwhile, MSN 430 has been stored at Châteauroux-Centre "Marcel Dassault" Airport (CHR) since early February. This aircraft had two engine runs and taxi checks since its relocation. These took place on March 9th and April 13th.

Finally, MSN 438 has remained on the ground in Toulouse since early February. This aircraft has had three engine runs and taxi checks since its third flight on February 10th. These engine runs have had fairly regular intervals- taking place on February 23rd, March 23rd, and April 22nd.

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Airbus has also reportedly canceled part of its outstanding A350 commitment with Qatar Airways in the past few months. Photo: Airbus

No reallocation to a different customer?

With so much time having already passed with the airline's new-delivery-refusal, some might ask why these aircraft couldn't have been reallocated to a different customer. There are two main answers to this question/problem.

Even before aircraft parts make it to the final assembly line, the numerous components of the jet already have a customer attached to them. Thus, very early on in the aircraft manufacturing process, it is clear which airline will take the aircraft to-be.

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The second issue is the ongoing state of uncertainty for Airbus. Early on in the dispute, it's possible that there was optimism for a speedy resolution to the problems brought forward by its airline customer. Although months have passed, this uncertainty continues, leaving Airbus in a state of limbo. Qatar Airways is unlikely to officially cancel the order just yet, as it would be at risk of paying hefty penalties as a result. At the same time, Airbus can't reallocate the aircraft to a different customer without the airline canceling its commitment.

Thus when it comes to these three built-but-undelivered Airbus A350-1000s, it would seem that no further action will take place until a court ruling is handed down. Engine runs, taxi checks, and the occasional test flight will still be taking place, of course.

What do you think will be the ultimate fate of these three undelivered A350s? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Source: AIB Family Flights