Qatar's chief executive, Akbar Al Baker made a u-turn decision and announced the firm's order of five A380 superjumbos and 50 A320neo jets worth a total of US$6.5 billion. Negotiations between Qatar and Airbus has seemed to have halted although a last minute issue with the A320 aircraft had been resolved by both parties resulting in the issues being fixed.

Boeing had already walked away with a record signing with Emirates totalling US$18 billion and it looked likely that Airbus were going to be waiting high and dry on this potential deal at the Middle East's largest airshow.

Al Baker is renowned for his surprises although he has overseen the successful expansion of Qatar during his 14-year tenure. His comments on both Airbus and Boeing have been outspoken in the past and the late decision to save this deal was another chapter in the relationships with the aircraft manufacturers.

Airbus is keen to compete with the large order won by Boeing at the Middle East airshow. Airbus had already announced a US$2.7 billion order with lessor Aviation Capital Group although it is the combination of orders which is expected to enable Airbus to come away from the airshow with the heads high.

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