When last week, with only 4 days to go before the planned Toulouse handover, Qatar revealed that plans to take the aircraft were "postponed until further notice", no specific reason was informed.
Qatar Airways added in that communication: "With the imminent launch of the new Airbus A350 program, both entities are committed to introducing the A350 very soon."
It was a huge surprise the announcement and also the way to do it; via facebook.
A350 Head of Program Didier Evrard stressed at Airbus’ global investor forum that to ensure entry into service in one month “full support from Airbus” is needed. And this could be the key.
Qatar plans to fly the A350 on the Doha-Frankfurt route from 15/January/15 and has been selling tickets for the service. Many engineers from Airbus will enjoy their first Christmas “holidays” working at the new Hamad International Airport in Doha-Qatar.
Taking into consideration that the airport was open only 7 months ago, that Qatar will receive the first 8 A350s, that Qatar´s A380s are operated from the same airport and the nightmare with the 787 Entry Into Service in the past, Airbus resident team in Doha (quantity, duration, skills, functions, spares) could be one of the reason behind the delay of 10 days in the delivery ceremony for Qatar Airways.
Source all pictures: here A380_TLS_A350
Based on the article “Airbus Still Plans To Deliver First A350 To Qatar Airways In 2014” published in Aviation Week.
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