Airbus, Qatar Airways hold talks

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said on Monday it was holding talks with the Qatar Airways chief over a long-awaited order for planes by the fast growing Gulf carrier.

"We are talking with Mr. Akbar (al-Baker) about possible deals," said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer at the Dubai Airshow.

"We are in discussions with Mr. Akbar today," he added.

Qatar's flag carrier was expected to place an order for 50 Airbus A320neo medium-haul jets and five A380 superjumbos at the Paris International Air Show in July. But the order did not materialise.

Those expectations were revived at the Dubai Airshow which opened Sunday with a record-breaking order by Dubai's Emirates Airlines for 50 Boeing 777 aircraft with a combined value of $18 billion.

Qatar Airways had booked several slots for press briefings on Monday, but the media conferences have been cancelled.

The carrier is the largest customer of Airbus A350 long-haul jetliner with an order for 80 planes. But the delivery of the jet that is aimed to compete with Boeing's long-haul fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner has been delayed.

The plane is now expected to enter service in the first half of 2014 rather than by the end of 2013 as previously announced.

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