With aircraft grounded, Qatar seeks flexibility on new deliveries

The head of Qatar Airways called on the world’s two major planemakers to ease demands that ailing carriers accept delivery of new aircraft, saying future relationships are at stake. Airbus and Boeing should allow the deferral of handovers until at least 2022, CEO Akbar Al Baker said Tuesday. Qatar Airways has about $50b of orders outstanding, based on list prices. “What is important is for Boeing and Airbus to show their customers that they are not only there with them in good times, but also in bad,” he said. “If they don’t oblige, they will permanently lose us as a customer.” Al Baker’s comments highlight the financial pressure on airlines, especially Gulf carriers like Qatar Airways whose business shuttling travelers across the globe has been shriveled by the coronavirus. The CEO said he didn’t know when passengers would begin flying again in significant numbers, and that it will take several years for traffic to return to normal. An Airbus spokesman said the company is in contact with clients but declined to discuss specifics, citing confidentiality. Boeing declined to comment. Al Baker also said Qatar Airways has kept going with its own resources, but that if the crisis continues and a bailout is needed it will likely seek an equity injection from its government owner.<br/>