Qatar Airways will be the launch customer of the Airbus A350, and was scheduled to begin service between Doha and Frankfurt with their first A350 as of January 15, 2015. I was super excited about that, not just because it was the inaugural flight for the airline, but also because it was the inaugural commercial flight for the aircraft as a whole.
Qatar Airways A350
Then late last week they even announced plans for their second daily A350 frequency between Doha and Frankfurt as of February, 2015.
Well, it looks like “the A350 aircraft ceremonial transfer of title has been postponed until further notice,” per Qatar Airways’ Facebook page:
#QatarAirways announces that the Airbus #A350 aircraft ceremonial transfer of title has been postponed until further notice.
With the imminent launch of the new Airbus A350 programme, both entities are committed to introducing the A350 very soon. #QatarA350
Presumably the inaugural flight will be delayed as well. As of now the previously announced schedule is still in place in the GDS, though I think it’s safe to say that will change as well.
I was booked on the inaugural, so one hand I was really hoping they’d stick to the current date, as it tied into another trip that I’ll be taking quite nicely.
On the other hand, I could never say no to some good old drama from His Excellency. If he can create sound bites as good as the ones he created over the A380, I’ll have no shortage of content on this blog over the next six months. That’s job security, folks. 😉
So, anyone have a theory as to what happened? Was there an imperfection in the carpet? A scratch on a seat?
Bottom line
I can’t believe I fell for it and actually booked the Qatar Airways A350 inaugural flight. I should have learned my lesson from last time — you only book a Qatar Airways inaugural flight the fifth time it’s announced… at the earliest!
(Tip of the hat to Roger)
It sounds like delivery is only being delayed 10 days, and they still plan the inaugural flight on January 15th. http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/qatar-a350-delivery-rescheduled-for-22-december-407047/
Maybe they were busy being movie stars
https://fstoppers.com/aerial/airbus-puts-five-enormous-a350-passenger-jets-formation-epic-photoshoot-48192
In an article about Airbus, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that QR is the one not accepting delivery of the 350.
Airbus-Flugzeug - "A380" vor dem Aus http://www.sueddeutsche.de/1.2262340
May be His Excellency is not amused with the quality of the aircraft's carpet this time around...
According to a source familiar with the matter, apparently His Excellency isn't happy that the business class seats don't match with his suit too well.
Knowing the relationship between France and Quatar, how much french people start to despise anything that is linked to Quatar and how hard Quatar work to make themselves look good in France I wonder how long his excellence will be allowed to spit on airbus like that ... money buy a lot to a certain extent ...
Possibly cabin Interior delivery issues....
http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/le-premier-airbus-a350-sera-livre-a-qatar-airways-dans-quelques-semaines.N302712
Ask Arbus! His Excellency will never tell you why he didn't except it! Be careful what they say. . His Excellency will correct it.
hehehehe
@Lucky- Is it now safe to assume that the 787 Dreamliner will be placed back into the January schedule full time on both FRA routes once they update the info in the GDS?
@ Dan -- I don't think with Qatar it's ever safe to assume anything. It's likely, but wouldn't count on it.
Airbus CEO says the plane is on tarmac and ready for delivery
http://news.yahoo.com/airbus-says-first-delivery-a350-qatar-postponed-124053489--finance.html
Theory; the carpet did not match the bowl the macadamia nuts are served in!
I am surprised that Airbus is keeping Qatar as launch customer. Off course, legal contracts can be difficult to get out of. BUT considering all the issues they had with A380 deliveries I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. And especially not with something as sensitive as the launch of a complete new aircraft. Or is it a case of even bad publicity is good publicity?
It was a $30 loss but I hope you didn't book any positioning flights. Speaking of which, I hope the Etihad A380 inaugural won't be delayed. Looking forward to reading your trip report on that!
Man that is one gorgeous plane.
Typical. Wasn't surprised at all when I received the email.