Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) CEO Akbar al Baker has called on Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) to admit to faults in its A380-800 delivery programme after the carrier discovered various flaws in three aircraft's interiors ahead of their delivery.
Speaking during the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow 2014, al Baker told the Wall Street Journal that he was "disappointed" with the Europeans claiming their aircraft were "poor quality" before refusing to buy any more jets.
In an effort to defend itself and its product, Airbus said the Qataris had been "demanding" in its specifications.
During pre-delivery inspections, Qatar Airways teams reportedly found fault with the A380s paint texturing, the interior cabin decor foils, and the jet's non-textile floors, which are prevalent in the galley area.
The Journal said it is the large galley structures that have to be removed to lay new flooring that are the cause of the delays.
“If it was six months we would have walked away,” Mr Al Baker said concerning the length of the delays.
The dismissive CEO did not comment on reports the airline would be firming a Letter of Intent with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) for fifty B777Xs but did reject any potential B787-9 or B787-10 order stating he had "no interest in either of them."
