Qatar Airways to expand cautiously in global downturn

SOARING HIGH: Since 2007, Qatar Airways has increased its route network and aircraft numbers by 25%. (Getty Images)

Qatar Airways chief has said the airline will not overstretch itself as it continues to expand amid the global financial crisis.

The Doha airline’s chief executive Akbar Al Baker made the comments on Sunday after Qatar Airways received its third Boeing 777 in four weeks. The latest delivery extends the carrier’s fleet to 68 aircraft.

“Our expansion, though occurring rapidly, is very calculated and measured,” he said. “We will not enter into situations that do not make economic sense.

“We are very conscious of the current global economy, and are using our strong financial position to explore opportunities where other airlines may not have the financial strength to compete.”

This year, US plane maker Boeing is expected to deliver a further nine aircraft (one a month) to Qatar Airways.   

The planes will be deployed on new routes including the daily Houston service, which launches on Mar. 30.

“With new acquisitions to the fleet, the airline is looking forward to being able to launch a host of new routes and also boost capacity on our underserved routes,” Al Baker said.  

Al Baker added continued fleet and route expansion is necessary to satisfy rising passenger demand, which is expected to increase further when the airline moves to New Doha International Airport in 2012

Since 2007, Qatar Airways has increased its route network and aircraft numbers by 25 percent. The airline added average year-on-year on passenger numbers have grown 35 percent for the past decade.

In February, Qatar Airways received two of the six Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft it has on order. The aircraft is capable of flying up to 17 hours non-stop to most global destinations from Qatar.

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