Qatar Airways to seek compensation over Boeing 787 delay

DUBAI (AFP) - Qatar Airways will seek cash compensation from Boeing Co over a delay in the delivery of its 787 Dreamliner, the press quoted its chief executive as saying Thursday.

Akbar al-Baker also said the Doha-based airline was looking into ordering more of the A380 superjumbos manufactured by Boeing's European rival Airbus.

"We are going to seek compensation for the delay, as it is always stated in our contracts," Baker was quoted by Emirates Business 24/7 daily as saying.

"Besides seeking cash compensation, we will exercise the purchase options we have on the 777s to take us through the delay of the 787," he said, adding that the Doha-based carrier was looking at five of the older-generation planes to compensate for the reported delay.

In November, the government-owned airline had confirmed orders for 30 Dreamliners.

Meanwhile, Baker appeared undeterred by an announced delay in the delivery of the Airbus A380 superjumbo, of which Qatar Airways has five on order.

"We are thinking of ordering additional A380s due to the growing demand," he said, adding that the carrier has confirmed delivery slots starting 2012.

The European plane maker said on Tuesday that it was reviewing the delivery schedule of its flagship A380 jet and its largest single client, Emirates, said it had been told to expect new delays.

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