Who will break the Ice ? Qatar Airways and Airbus hint the settlement of the bitter billion dollar dispute out of the court .

Who will break the Ice ? Qatar Airways and Airbus hint the settlement of the bitter billion dollar dispute out of court after the latest hearing , in which each side claimed victory.

Two days back , a British judge had granted Qatar Airways a relatively quick trial against Airbus in a row over A350 Paint peel issue but dismissed several procedural claims including a bid by the airline to split the high-profile case into two parts.

Qatar Airways Advantage :

- Court has agreed for the Qatar's request for a speedy trial on the main safety and contractual dispute.

Airbus Advantage : (Dismissal of several Qatar Airways procedural claims )

- The Court decision will allow Airbus to make attempts to keep delivering A350s to Qatar Airways,
- Or to try to sell Qatar Airways rejected aircraft to other carriers, those are interested.

Qatar Airways hint :

In a rare public comment on the case , Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker told reporters in Doha: “Every partnership has disputes and I just hope that this dispute could be resolved outside the courts of law.”

Qatar Airways , that is demanding about US$1 billion (RM4.4 billion) in damages, said in a statement that it was “pleased” that the latest judgement called for an “expedited trial” and more details on the peeling paintwork that it has said is a threat to the A350's lightning conductor.

December 21 : Qatar Airways had filed legal proceedings against Airbus at the High Court London (Technology and Construction division).

Airbus is not behind to provide a hint :

“The matter can now proceed with all due speed to focus on the main topic of the misrepresentation by Qatar Airways of safety and airworthiness of the A350 , which we will continue to defend,” Airbus said in a statement.

But Aerospace major also called for renewed efforts outside of the court,  “Airbus continues to favour engagement and an amicable solution to resolve the dispute. The continued litigation is not in the interests of either party,” it added.