Qatar Airways has commenced legal proceedings against Airbus following an unresolved dispute regarding "accelerated surface degradation" affecting its A350 aircraft.
Legal proceedings were issued in the Technology & Construction division of the High Court in London, with Qatar saying it had "sadly failed in all our attempts to reach a constructive solution" with Airbus.
"Qatar Airways has therefore been left with no alternative but to seek a rapid resolution of this dispute via the courts," the airline added in a statement.
The Doha-based carrier says it currently has 21 A350 aircraft grounded by the condition, while Reuters reports that "at least five other airlines" have complained about similar paint or skin flaws in the last five years.
Qatar Airways' statement continued: "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."