An optimistic Qatar Airways orders more Airbus A320 Family aircraft
Qatar Airways provided an opening-day boost of business optimism at the Paris Air Show, signing a firm contract for 24 A320 Family aircraft and confirming its intention to introduce Airbus’ 21st century A380 on the Doha-based carrier’s international route network.
Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said today’s announcement – made at a standing-room-only press conference – enables the airline to continue demonstrating its total commitment to the air transport sector’s future.
“There is so much gloom about the current economic environment, and the global airline industry is cutting back capacity and deferring aircraft orders – while at Qatar Airways, we continue to push ahead with our expansion plans,” he told reporters. “What is happening in the short term will not affect our long term global strategy.”
The Qatar Airways order is for 20 A320s, along with the firming up of four A321s announced at last year’s Farnborough Air Show. Al Baker said deliveries of the aircraft will begin in November 2009 and continue through end of 2012. Configured with a two-class cabin, the A320 Family jetliners will be used on Qatar Airways’ regional, Eastern European and southwest Asia routes.
“Today’s announcement further demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment and our long-standing partnership with Airbus, which goes back to 1997 when we launched the airline,” he added. “I have to say that ever since that time, Airbus has stood firmly with the progress of Qatar Airways.”
Its current Airbus fleet is composed of 19 A320 Family aircraft, four A340-600s and the largest fleet of A330s in the Middle East – with 29 of them flying in the airline’s colours.
Al Baker said Qatar Airways remains firmly committed to the A380, and its order for the double-deck jetliner remains solidly on track. The carrier plans to receive the A380s as planned beginning in 2012, he added.
