Airbus and Qatar Airways to clash in court over A350 paint.

A350 fuselage-skin paint degradation is the subject of a legal dispute between Qatar Airways and Airbus, and the aircraft manufacturer has expressed doubts that the trial will take place on time in June next year.

Qatar Airways and Airbus are headed for a three-month summer trial next year after a UK judge granted the airline a fast timetable for the trial while dismissing its procedural complaints. The judge told a division of London's High Court that the outcome of the dispute was in the public interest since the Gulf carrier questioned the safety of about two dozen grounded A350s.

Despite Qatar Airways’ refusal to take more deliveries, Airbus says these and other planes are safe, despite corrosion on painted surfaces and lightning protection.

"I am in absolutely no doubt that this case should be tried as soon as is practically possible," Judge David Waksman said.

The judge rejected a proposal from the airline to split the trial into two parts, which would have allowed Airbus to do more technical analysis. Additionally, the judge didn't order Airbus to stop trying to deliver more A350s to Qatar Airways, or to stop reselling undelivered aircraft that aren't delivered.

Due to the procedural ruling, Airbus can trigger payment clauses as more planes are built. As another option, Qatar could consider selling the A350s that were rejected by it to carriers such as Air India, which industry sources suggest has the potential to buy the aircraft.

Two of the biggest players in the industry will go head-to-head in open court during the trial, which will likely feature thousands of confidential documents.