Dubai: Airbus expects no cancellations of A350 orders by Middle East carriers even though the programme suffered a second setback, according to John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer — Customers at Airbus.
The French planemaker last week announced at least a six-month delay in the programme as some parts arrived late.
"I don't see any cancellations taking place in this region for the A350 aircraft orders as a result of the delay to the programme… and certainly, not for a delay of a couple of months to the programme," Leahy told Gulf News.
With the fresh delay, the first delivery of the A350 is now scheduled for the first half of 2014 instead of the end of 2013. And the delays are expected to lead to a charge of €200 million (Dh1 billion), according to the company.
"I wish we could deliver A350-1000s earlier, and in fact, more A350s earlier because it is a quantum leap in terms of fuel burn reduction and environmental impact for the aircraft," said Leahy.
Airbus continues to be in talks with Qatar Airways for potential orders, according to Leahy.
Talks with Qatar airlines
The Doha-based carrier was expected to announce orders for additional A380s and A320s at the Paris Air show in June, but decided against it at the last minute.
Asked if Qatar is still looking to place those orders, Leahy said, "We are still talking to Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker about possible deals. We are in discussions with the airline even today."
Meanwhile, commenting on the euro crisis, he said that it would not affect aircraft financing that much.
"We are watching it carefully. We have done some aircraft financing and deals in euros. We always find that if an airline has a need for the airplane, financing usually gets arranged one way or the other," he said.
With regard to fresh orders, Leahy said Airbus will announce some aircraft orders in the next couple of days during the Dubai Airshow.
