Aerospace

How a dispute between Qatar and Airbus led to financial failings

Airbus has confirmed that it will work with France, Germany, and Spain to build the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

The Airbus and Qatar Airways are two of the top firms in the aerospace and airline industries, respectively, neither company has been able to settle their legal problems. No suitable solutions have been found as a result of the ongoing dispute between Qatar Airways and Airbus regarding the A350 aircraft’s paint quality. The Reuters team visited the Qatar Airways hangar to evaluate the planes’ paint job.

The Disputes are still being had on both sides despite the fact that both parties have taken the case before an international court. Airbus defends its safety record while Qatar Airways claims that the quality of aircraft paint can compromise airworthiness and safety. Even EASA joined the debate and backed Airbus in its claim that the paint issue may not compromise aviation safety requirements. EASA also denied any connection between the paint issue and the safety of airplanes.

Among the 23 grounded A350s at the center of a $1 billion London court dispute over whether the damage represents a potential safety risk—something Airbus vehemently denies—are Qatar Airways’ A350s, which analysts estimate are worth a combined $300 million.

The problem became so severe that Airbus terminated its agreement with Qatar Airways. However, according to some experts, Qatar Airways did not cancel any Airbus agreements for the purchase of narrow body aircraft; rather, Airbus revoked them. Except for the A350 aircraft, all of Qatar Airways’ Airbus-supplied aircraft are in excellent condition. However, the airline has received criticism for its response, which was to acknowledge the problem and remedy it.

Other airlines have also complained about the A350’s paint quality, although it was only a little issue that was eventually corrected during maintenance. and even the Boeing 787 experienced a problem with paint quality.

Technical terms The primary cause of the paint The composite fiber architectures present quality concerns, which also depend on the ambient temperature. Many aerospace companies still need to conduct a great deal of research in order to resolve this problem. If the temperature is a problem, a new form of layering coat that can stop paint from peeling should be used.

After premature paint deterioration revealed damage to a metallic sub-layer that shields the fuselage from lightning strikes, Qatar’s aviation authority grounded the aircraft. After European regulators deemed the A350 safe, other airlines continued to use it, even though a few recently acknowledged minor flaws that they referred to as “cosmetic.”

Following a request made this week on the sidelines of an airline industry convention in the Qatari capital city of Doha, Reuters journalists were given privileged first-hand access. As a required trade-off for weight savings, Airbus claims that some paint erosion is a characteristic of the carbon-composite technology used to construct all modern long-haul jets.

According to the report, paint, an anti-lightning substance known as ECF, and the composite construction interact to generate fissures. The ECF foil is not present along the entire tail, raising the question of whether damage there is a result of the same issue. A UK court has heard testimony from Qatar Airways that its similar Boeing 787s do not experience the same issues as Airbus’ explanation.

Exclusive: Airbus and Qatar Airways have been locked in a dispute around the plane maker’s A350 jets, which the airline claimed were unfit for flying. @reuters was given access to two of the grounded planes https://t.co/vdn2eobXEJ pic.twitter.com/X5H2yvG5uK
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 23, 2022
Advertisement

Aviation safety is the only concern for EASA in this situation, according to a spokeswoman. Since the disagreement started, Qatar’s own aviation regulator has neglected to comment. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the cause of the damage within hundreds of pages of contradictory technical court files made by both sides.

Only when the issue is discussed using the right platform and technological know-how can a solution be found. The problem is having an impact on both sides. Since 23 of its wide-body aircraft have been sitting idle for many months, Airbus is losing potential customers and Qatar Airways is losing significant money. If the problem is to be resolved, any third-party services must be retained for the investigation, fix, trial, hearing, and settlements, or both sides risk losing net profits.

what you think about this disputes and let us know your thoughts in comment sections.

News source courtesy : Reuters

Dawal

He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry. He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

Aerospace

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?

Courtesy : Tony Fernandes (Linked in Story)

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.

C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders

COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.

Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.

During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.

Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.

Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements

The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.

Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.

In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.

Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).