Airbus uses A320neo deal as leverage in separate dispute

Qatar Airways accused Airbus on Friday of canceling a deal to buy 50 A320neos to put pressure on it in a separate dispute over A350 paintwork, as the company took legal action to prevent Airbus from scrapping the deal.
Qatar Airways’ lawyer said in a court session that the company had so far paid $330 million in advance payments to buy 50 planes.

Airbus confirmed that it would do nothing to disrupt the first aircraft deliveries pending further sessions.

A hearing on Qatar Airways’ request for an injunction preventing Airbus from canceling the A320neo order will be held in the week of April 4.