Qatar Airways refused five Airbus aircrafts

Following the announcement that Poland waives the contract on the acquisition of Caracal multirole helicopters made by Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer receives another hard announcement. Qatar Airways airline refused the delivery of five A320 Airbus aircrafts, refocusing on the purchasing of Boeing 737-MAX, writes France TV Info.

According to the French Journalist David Boeri, Qatar Airways plans to acquire 60737-MAX aircrafts from the American manufacturer Boeing. It seems that the Qatar Company refused the European manufacturer’s delivery because of its delay in order fulfillment. In turn, Airbus would have similar problems with the engine manufacturer.

“Our relationship is very strained,” he said. “What’s happening at Airbus with the deliveries is seriously affecting our growth.” With the A350 shortfall having a “huge” impact on Qatar Air’s expansion plans and finances, the plane maker needs to catch up on deliveries this fiscal year, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker declares. “Qatar Airways has a continuous plan of fleet expansion and fleet replacement in order to keep the average age of our fleet very young,” Al Baker added.

More, Poland's Development Ministry said late on Tuesday that the negotiating position of the two sides on the purchase of 50 Caracal helicopters for 13.5 billion zlotys (3.14 billion euros) was "so different that further talks are pointless." The ministry also added that offers made by Airbus Helicopters had "failed to properly secure Poland's economic and security interests." Polish officials had earlier indicated that the value of the deal should match the value of the purchase.

The European aircraft manufacturer is facing a huge challenge, having to honor the 3,000 orders made in the last three years.