Qatar Airways, Boeing to thrash out problems

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker reportedly meet with Boeing officials on July 25 to discuss the latest delays to the Boeing 787 programme, and possible changes to the carrier's 787 delivery schedule that could result in deliveries from 2011, flightglobal.com has reported.

Speaking to reporters at last month's Paris Air Show Baker warned the carrier may cancel its 30-aircraft 787 order if the airframer does not quickly resolve delay issues. At a media briefing in Washington DC last week, Al Baker said Boeing has responded to this warning by scheduling a meeting with the carrier.

"The meeting is at their request because they are now concerned which way Qatar Airways will go," Al Baker said. "They are taking a very proactive stand with Qatar Airways."

Al Baker said "there are a few issues we will discuss with them" including the latest delays in the 787 test programme and the possibility of assuming earlier delivery slots. He says Qatar's first 787 is now scheduled to be roughly the 50th production aircraft to roll off the assembly line, but there should be an opportunity to move up as airlines ahead of Qatar have requested deferrals.

Qatar's first 787 was originally scheduled for delivery in mid 2010, but programme delays have pushed back all deliveries by at least two years. Al Baker is now asking for slots in 2011 and says if Boeing can only offer 2012 deliveries it may cancel its entire order.

"If it slips into 2012 for delivery then we'll have to consider cancelling our order," he said. "We'll have to consider [cancelling] because if there is another big slippage the deliveries will be at the same we are receiving this large order of A350s and the A350 mission will be very close to the 787. If there's a huge overlap then why am I buying two types of airplanes that are doing the same mission?"

Qatar has 100 A350s on order. Its 787 order is for 30 firm aircraft plus 30 options.