Qatar buys 55 Airbus... after hiccup

Fast-expanding Gulf carrier Qatar Airways says it will buy 55 Airbus planes just hours after announcing that talks had hit an impasse.

The deal includes 50 A320neos and five A380 double-decker jumbos with options for more. Airbus says the package is worth $6.4 billion at list prices, but airlines typically negotiate lower prices for large orders.

The announcement on Tuesday at the Dubai Airshow came after Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said negotiations with the European aircraft maker had stalled.

Emirates placed a record $18 billion order for another 50 Boeing 777s Sunday.

 

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Airbus still learning to make planes: Baker

Qatar Airways chief Akbar Al Baker on Tuesday dismissed Airbus as "still learning to make airplanes" and announced his carrier was cancelling an expected large order with the European manufacturer.

"I feel Airbus is still learning to make airplanes," Al Baker said at a joint media conference with Airbus' US rival Boeing, during which he announced ordering two Boeing 777 Freighters.

"We have cancelled the announcement," with Airbus, he said.

When asked if there was a still a chance to sign a deal with the European manufacturer, he said he was "pessimistic".

Qatar's flag carrier had been 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 Emirates Airlines for 50 Boeing 777 aircraft with a combined value of $18 billion.

Airbus had invited journalists for a commercial announcement that they described as "hot".

But Airbus officials left the room saying that the announcement was postponed.