Impending divorce of Qatar Airways and European manufacturer Airbus

The business relationship between Qatar Airways and European manufacturer Airbus has hit rock bottom. 

Taking advantage of a visit by the Emir of Qatar to the White House, Qatar Airways has decided to become the new launch customer for the 777X cargo variant, signing a record purchase order with Boeing for 50 units of this model, in an unexpected turn of events that has set off all the alarm bells in relation to the conflict that the Qatari airline is legally maintaining with the European manufacturer Airbus, which it blames for the defects of its A350 fleet. 

In the deal, Qatar Airways will allocate part of the ordered 777X family aircraft to the 777-8 Freighter version, the industry's newest, largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter member. 

But this order was not the only one placed during the meeting: Qatar Airways has also signed an order for 25  737-10s and the purchase rights for an additional 25, a variant that is ideally suited to the short-haul network and which, according to CEO Akbar al-Baker, "will provide an opportunity to modernise the fleet and operate the most efficient aircraft in its class", possibly replacing the 50 A321NEOs that were cancelled by Airbus earlier this month. 

The Qatari airline is placing its full confidence in the US manufacturer and is pushing ahead with the sale of the 777X, which will replace the older 777Fs that are still in operation and will also help Boeing increase its order book going forward. This model will be built at the Everett (Washington) plant and will have a major impact on the area's economy for years to come. 

A large order that not only satisfies cargo demand 

Qatar Airways has recently shown some interest in acquiring the newly launched A350 freighter. But in the midst of a dispute with the European manufacturer over A350 paint problems, which led to the cancellation of the 50 A321NEO aircraft order by Airbus, the Qatari airline's decision of going for the 777X, a direct rival to the new A350s, is more than demonstrated by its decision to go all in with the American Boeing. 

This willingness has resulted in Qatar Airways not only becoming a new customer for the US manufacturer's cargo version, but the signing of contracts by the Qatari airline with Boeing makes it clear that they are perfectly capable of placing orders far larger than might be expected. A number of firm units that at current prices means we are talking about a deal worth more than $20 billion, making it the largest freighter acquisition deal in Boeing's history. 

The war between Airbus and Qatar Airlines highlights an attitude fuelled by an exacerbated dispute in which both giants have been peeling back the layers to the last consequences, and just as the A350 peel-off began, it has been revealed how far each of the parties involved is capable of going. 

The latest decision taken by the Qatari company represents a strong punishment to Airbus, which could lead to a commercial rupture between the two, especially when Airbus was counting on being a leading competitor in the cargo segment, with the launch of the new A350 in its freighter version, and is now behind Boeing, which is consolidating its position as favourite. 

La disputa pública entre la aerolínea y el fabricante de aviones europeo Airbus por los problemas con The public dispute between the airline and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus over problems with the A350s led the airline to release a devastating video and demand millions in compensation from Airbus for problems that went beyond mere cosmetic damage and compromised the safety of the aircraft. Airbus interpreted this action as retaliation and argued that the airline was using this as an opportunity to make good the losses suffered during the downtime of its aircraft due to the impact of the pandemic. Airbus responded to the airline by cancelling the order for 50 of its new A321 neo passenger aircraft. 

Airbus and Qatar Airways have a history of disputes. It was a decade ago when Qatari CEO Akbar al-Baker fiercely criticised the European aircraft manufacturer, claiming that Airbus was still learning how to build aircraft, to which Airbus remained silent. Today, with the recent and unexpected signing of the Boeing contract, Qatar Airways celebrates a close and ever-building relationship with a company that has a long history as an aircraft builder and, in the words of its CEO, will offer a sustainable future for the aviation business. 

We do not know whether we are witnessing the definitive divorce of the European manufacturer from the Qatari company, or whether this is a temporary separation until the waters run their course again, but it is certain that neither party benefits from such a break-up. 

Perhaps Qatar Airways has wanted to take a breather and focus on seeking the opportunity to maximise revenue from major carriers operating connecting routes to Doha, just as Qatar hosts the latest FIFA World Cup, to be held between 21 November and 18 December 2022, which will attract around 1.2 million visitors. 

Qatar Airways, the country's flagship airline, will be aiming to be the benchmark carrier for fans and supporters to make the most profit during the two-month event, even if it has other sights on its horizon this time around.