Qatar Airways reaches settlement over Airbus paint issue

The airline has been locked in a disagreement since 2021 over blistering of paint on the composite-design aircraft, which has affected a number of other carriers. 

Regulators determined there was no safety issue, but Qatar Airways began court action in the UK in late 2021, seeking $618 million in compensation after grounding the fleet and cancelling all remaining orders with Airbus. Qatar Airways then placed a huge order with Boeing and Airbus counter-sued over lost orders.

However, in a statement, the airline said: “Qatar Airways and Airbus are pleased to have reached an amicable and mutually agreeable settlement in relation to their legal dispute over A350 surface degradation and the grounding of A350 aircraft. 

“A repair project is now underway and both parties look forward to getting these aircraft safely back in the air.”

It added both sides would end legal claims under a confidential deal and revive their commercial relationship.
 
“The settlement agreement is not an admission of liability for either party,” Qatar Airways added.