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Qatar Airways cancels two more neos and hints at major aircraft order
September 2nd 2016
Akbar Al Baker is keeping his promises. The Qatar Airways CEO has cancelled another two A320neo orders after Airbus and engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, failed to fix performance deficiencies during high-temperature operations in the time allotted for the work. Read More » This is the third cancellation of an order for 80 neos. The rejected planes have been sitting on the tarmac at Airbus’ Toulouse base since early this year.
Al Baker told Bloomberg the carrier’s relationship with Airbus was “very strained”. He also took another shot at the A350 programme when he said Qatar Airways is still five aircraft short of the number that should have been received this year. He said the late deliveries have a “huge” impact on his airline’s growth and operations.
Al Baker said he plans to place a “large” aircraft order “soon”, without specifying the type. The carrier has a backlog of 340 mostly long-haul aircraft.
