Qatar Airways has issued legal proceedings against Airbus relating to what the airline says is the degradation of surface and paint on some of its A350XWB aircraft that has adversely impacted operations.

Some 21 A350s are currently grounded by the “accelerated surface degradation” condition, Qatar Airways said, and legal proceedings “have been commenced to ensure that Airbus will now address our legitimate concerns without further delay”.

The airline stated: “We strongly believe that Airbus must undertake a thorough investigation of this condition to conclusively establish its full root cause. Without a proper understanding of the root cause of the condition, it is not possible for Qatar Airways to establish whether any proposed repair solution will rectify the underlying condition. Qatar Airways number one priority remains the safety of its passengers and crew.”

Legal proceedings have been filed in the Technology and Construction division of the High Court in London, UK. “We have sadly failed in all our attempts to reach a constructive solution with Airbus,” the airline added. “Qatar Airways has therefore been left with no alternative but to seek a rapid resolution of this dispute via the courts.”

Airbus confirmed that it had received a formal legal claim filed by Qatar Airways, “relating to a dispute over the degradation of surface and paint on certain of Qatar Airways’ A350XWB aircraft”.

The aircraft manufacturer said it was “in the process of analysing the contents of the claim” and “intends to vigorously defend its position”.