Qatar Airways Orders 55 Airbus Aircraft

Qatar Airways has confirmed a deal with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to acquire 88 narrow-and wide-body aircraft.

The agreement is for 50 of Airbus’ new generation A320neo (new engine option) airplanes with a further 30 on option, together with 5 additional A380s super jumbos and 3 on option.

The five new A380s will double the number of the airline’s super jumbos already in the delivery pipeline, taking firm orders up to 10 aircraft. Deliveries are due to begin in 2013.

“The A320neo promises to be a great aircraft which is why we have chosen it to form the backbone of our future single aisle expansion,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. “Together with our previous orders for the A350 extra wide body aircraft and new orders for additional A380s, we are continuing to invest in an integrated Family of the world’s most modern and fuel efficient aircraft.”

The A320neo will belong to the A320 Family of aircraft, of which Qatar Airways currently operates 38 in its fleet with a further nine pending delivery. Of the 50 firm A320neo aircraft on order, 30 are A320s, 14 are A321s and six are A319s.

Qatar Airways operates a fleet of 102 aircraft to 109 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve over 120 destinations worldwide with a fleet of more than 120 aircraft.

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