A350XWB Premature Surface Degradation Problems Filed in English Court

Qatar's ongoing dispute with Airbus is now official, with a suit being filed in London's High Court.

The move significantly heats up the fracas between the two only days after Airbus said that independent legal assessment would be sought to settle the matter.

Qatar has had 21 of its relatively new Airbus A350s grounded by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority citing premature degradation of certain surface areas, materials, and paint applications. In August, the airline had hoped “that Airbus treats this matter with the proper attention it requires,” according to CEO Akbar Al Baker at the time. The airline has sought to have Airbus address issues that they worry could be indicative of premature parts failure or insufficient quality. The first notable concern was exposed in November 2020, when cracks were found an an A350 being prepared for a new livery. Qatar expressed concern, but was told that they were merely cosmetic and did not affect airworthiness. The problems kept coming, however, with the lightning-protection mesh becoming exposed through cracking, flaking paint on ends and window panes. Other paint issues exposed gaps in joints that previously appeared seamless, worrisome when considering the bonded composite materials that make up the majority of the wings and fuselage. 

The simmering issue has now grown, however, Qatar stating they have not seen any success in solving the issue diplomatically. "We have sadly failed in all our attempts to reach a constructive solution with Airbus in relation to the accelerated surface degradation condition adversely impacting the Airbus A350 aircraft," said Qatar's statement. "Qatar Airways currently have 21 A350 aircraft grounded by the condition and the legal proceedings have been commenced to ensure that Airbus will now address our legitimate concerns without further delay. We strongly believe that Airbus must undertake a thorough investigation of this condition to conclusively establish its full root cause." 

Airbus issued a terse statement, saying they "received a formal legal claim in the English courts....relating to the dispute over the degradation of surface and paint of Qatar Airways' A350XWB aircraft" and that the company "is in the process of analyzing the contents of the claim. Airbus intends to vigorously defend its position." 

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.qatarairways.com