What happened to Qatar A350?

Qatar Airways grounded Airbus A350s over what it described as fuselages “degrading at an accelerated rate” in the long-range aircraft. The airline had raised questions about the A350s' carbon composite fuselage, designed to make the twin-aisle aircraft lighter and cheaper to operate by burning less jet fuel.



The long-running saga of the Qatar Airways Airbus A350 ended in an "amicable settlement" reached in early 2023. The dispute centered on "accelerated surface degradation," where Qatar Airways claimed the paint was cracking and exposing the lightning protection layer, leading to the grounding of dozens of aircraft. Airbus initially dismissed this as a cosmetic issue and retaliated by canceling Qatar's other multi-billion dollar orders. However, the 2023 settlement saw both parties drop their $2 billion legal claims. As of 2026, the grounded jets have been repaired and returned to service, and the relationship has been fully restored. The first of the previously canceled A321neo jets are scheduled for delivery this year (2026), marking the final chapter of one of the most public and bitter feuds in the history of the aviation industry.

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Qatar Airways is expected to receive its next A350 later in 2023 while the first of the A321neos is now scheduled to arrive in 2026, three years later than originally planned. Airbus had canceled the A321neo after Qatar Airways refused to take more A350s on firm order, escalating the conflict further.

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Back To Life: Qatar Airways A350s Reactivated After Extended Grounding. Airbus A350s that have been on the ground for about a year are flying passengers once again. In August 2021, we reported that Qatar Airways had grounded 13 of its Airbus A350 aircraft on the advice of regulators.

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Both Airbus and Emirates said the decision to cancel the A350 resulted from a review of Emirates' fleet requirements.

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While the 777X offers unrivalled dimensions, advanced materials, and cutting-edge engine technology, the A350 shines with its lightweight composite airframe, advanced aerodynamics, and superior fuel efficiency.

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The Bottom Line: The Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 are very similar aircraft, suited for similar missions. As one would expect, the slightly larger A350-900 has a seat-mile cost advantage, while the 787-9 has an advantage in cost per block hour. These aircraft are competitive, and nearly tie in economic performance.

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Qatar Airways also has an order for forty B777-9s, which it anticipates beginning delivery of from 2025. When the A380-800s do exit the Qatar Airways fleet, the B777-9s, with a planned two-cabin capacity of approximately 415 passengers, will be the largest passenger aircraft in the carrier's fleet.

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That's because Qatar first class is only found on one aircraft type: the A380, the double-decker Airbus-manufactured plane that is no longer being produced. Qatar only restarted service on the A380 because of a shortage of aircraft during the pandemic, notably issues with the Airbus A350 fleet.

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The Labor government has cited an array of reasons for blocking the request, including human rights, protecting local jobs, protecting Qantas' profit and Qatar not using existing slots at secondary airports.

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Range and flexibility. Surprisingly, for all its size, the A380 can't go as far as the A350. The A350-1000 can travel more than 1,000 km (540 NM) further than the A380. Singapore Airlines has a special 'ultra-long-range' (ULR) A350-900, which operates on the longest route in the world, from Singapore to New York JFK.

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Range and flexibility. Surprisingly, for all its size, the A380 can't go as far as the A350. The A350-1000 can travel more than 1,000 km (540 NM) further than the A380. Singapore Airlines has a special 'ultra-long-range' (ULR) A350-900, which operates on the longest route in the world, from Singapore to New York JFK.

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The range in hourly rate also changes by airline and by type of aircraft. For example, an experienced Captain flying an A350 for Delta can expect to earn $354 per hour. Delta pays a junior First Officer $92 per hour.

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The aircraft incorporates advanced noise reduction technologies and sound-insulating materials to minimize engine noise and vibrations. The result is an overall remarkably quiet cabin environment.

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More sustainable. The A350 is designed to be a quieter, cleaner aircraft delivering 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat. The quietest in its class the A350 has reduced its noise footprint by 50% vs previous generation aircraft as well as lowering NOx emissions.

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Haven't flown those on BA, but the A350 is much quieter than the B777 and would be my choice for that reason alone. You're also likely to have a newer cabin, unless BA refurbished the 777s. Our flight between Denver and Heathrow is on an A350.

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