Qatar Airways filed a lawsuit against Airbus

Created on 24.12.2021 17:17

Qatar Airways has appealed to the Technology and Construction Department of London's High Court with a claim against Airbus regarding the paint defects on the composite fuselage of A350 aircraft operated by the Arab carrier.

The fuselage painting on such airplanes has been underwent to premature dilapidation, including Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways. Airbus has identified two main causes of the defects resulting from thorough investigation: thermal expansion and deficiencies in titanium rivet adhesion. The manufacturer is developing ways to eliminate defects. In particular, the company explained that repeated exposure to "thermal cycles" can lead to premature wear of the painting. One of the reasons why this defect is so widespread in Qatar Airways is the climatic conditions of the Gulf region. The second reason is paint lag from rivets: the American manufacturer Boeing faced with this trouble on B-787 aircrafts equipped with composite application.

Airbus argues that these defects are not structural and do not affect the airworthiness of aircraft in any way. In turn, Qatar Airways explains that the litigation is being initiated in order to ensure that Airbus will solve legal requirements without further delay. However, EASA commented in early December that Airbus had identified the cause of the paint defects. The aircraft painting process has been streamlined and additional measures have been taken in accordance with the results of the investigation.

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