Head of IATA described the conflict between Qatar and Airbus as “worrisome”

The Head of the body that represents the majority of airlines gave his opinion on the dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways.

Willie Walsh, Head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), warned that “manufacturers should not take advantage of their position in the market,” in reference to Airbus’ decision to cancel an order from Qatar Airways in the context of the growing dispute between the manufacturer and the airline. The executive said the European giant’s decision is “unprecedented and worrying.”

Qatar is suing Airbus for more than $600 million in compensation for A350 paint problems. The airline grounded about half of its fleet and suspended deliveries until the situation is resolved.

According to the manufacturer, “the dispute is purely financial”. As a result of the dispute, Airbus proceeded to cancel an order for fifty A321neo that Qatar was to start taking delivery of from 2023.

Now, according to Reuters, Walsh has come out against the manufacturer: “I don’t like to think that one of the suppliers is taking advantage of its position of power in the market”. “We are closely monitoring the situation,” he added. The head of IATA, a veteran of the industry, said it was important that ties between manufacturers and operators “return to normal”.

Airbus’ decision came as a surprise to the industry: it is rare for manufacturers to unilaterally cancel orders. The only case in which this tends to happen – something that does not occur with Qatar’s state-owned airline, one of the world’s strongest – is when airlines report financial difficulties in paying for the units.