Yemenia threatens to 'reconsider' A350 order

Yemenia Yemen Airways yesterday threatened to "reconsider" its order for 10 A350-800s valued at $2 billion because it believes Airbus has been unsupportive following last week's A310-300 crash in the Indian Ocean that killed 152.

In interviews with multiple media outlets, Yemenia Chairman Abdulkalek Saleh Al Kadi complained that the French government "rushed" to blame the airline's maintenance program for the accident (ATWOnline, July 7) and faulted Airbus for not backing the carrier. "We are not receiving cooperation from Airbus and some of the French people are really against us," he said. Speaking to Agence France Press, he stated, "If the French position remains harsh and if the pressure on Yemenia continues. . .we will be forced to reconsider the [A350] deal. . .The French side is wronging Yemenia."

He told Reuters that Airbus failed to show "moral and media support" in the crash's aftermath, adding, "Yemenia expects support from the manufacturer because [the airline's] history over more than 40 years manifests its competence."

Airbus responded by noting that it must adhere to "strict guidelines" regarding public comments to media following accidents.

Yemenia firmed its A350 order at the 2007 Dubai Air Show (ATWOnline, Nov. 14, 2007). It had said it planned to use the planes on "intercontinental routes to and from Yemen." Its ability to operate such routes would be compromised if it is placed on the EU's list of banned carriers, a move that is under consideration.