Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the decision of Airbus to revoke the order of Qatar Airways for A321neo jets was a new and "worrying" development.
Walsh warned suppliers should not exploit market strength. Qatar Airways is suing Airbus for compensation over erosion to the painted surface and lightning protection on A350s, and has refused to take delivery of more of those jets until its regulator's safety questions are resolved.
Airbus last week revoked a separate Qatar order for A321neo jets. "I would hate to think that one of the suppliers is taking advantage of their current market strength to exploit their position, and that is something we are watching very closely," Walsh told reporters.