Palmer, liquidators settle plane case

Clive Palmer and Queensland Nickel liquidators have reached a confidential settlement over ownership of the businessman's $5 million private jet, just moments before they were set to head to trial.

A two-day civil trial had been set down to decide the future of the Cessna Citation X aircraft, which has been stored in a Gold Coast hangar pending the outcome of the legal stoush.

The Queensland Supreme Court hearing also intended to resolve whether or not Queensland Nickel had a monetary claim against Mr Palmer for maintenance costs.

But the court heard on Thursday a deed of settlement had been reached "a few minutes ago" between the parties that removed the need for Justice John Bond to make a ruling on these issues.

The matter will return to court on August 30, when Graham Gibson QC, for liquidators FTI Consulting, said it was likely orders would be sought to discontinue the case.

The court heard the agreement meant an undisclosed sum drawn from an amount of money held by the court, stemming from a separate proceeding including mining company Glencore, would be paid to the liquidators.