Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Print
Email
Discuss this article (2 Comments)Qatar Airways announces major A320 order
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Monday, 15 June 2009
PLANE ORDER: Qatar Airways has ordered 24 A320 aircraft from Airbus. (Getty Images)
Qatar Airways confirmed booking an undisclosed number of engines on Monday, worth $700m, to power the 24 Airbus A320s that it ordered the same day.
The Doha carrier has opted for International Aero Engine’s V2500 SelectOnes to power their latest batch of aircraft.
During a press conference on Monday, Qatar Airways’ chief executive Akbar Al Baker hinted the A320s could be used to launch a new low-cost airline in the region.
Baker’s reasoning for doing this was to compete with budget carriers that are claiming market share from Qatar Airways.
He added: “It [the A320] is the most reliable option in the many harsh weather conditions we operate in. The V2500 SelectOne upgrade also offers us the lowest fuel burn and a corresponding reduction in emissions, which is vital as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme and commitment to a greener environment.”
Deliveries of the A320s are expected to begin in November 2009 and be completed by the end of 2012.
Al Baker said the planes give Qatar Airways a “firm footing” in the Middle East aviation industry.
“With a larger mix of narrow body and wide body aircraft in our fleet, that gives us even greater flexibility in our commercial operations, allowing us to deploy aircraft on specific routes depending on market conditions,” he added.
The carrier operates 68 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 82 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
here we go again !!!!
Posted by sheraz on Tuesday 16 June 2009 at 08:27 UAE time
Now, now Maroof, it's ony business as the saying goes!!!!
The airline is only doing what it thinks is required for their business. It's about a long term growth strategy, it's about best practises and it's about building the network. The Middle East and the Asia Pacific region will rule the roost in the years to come.
Posted by sheraz on Tuesday 16 June 2009 at 08:27 UAE time
Now, now Maroof, it's ony business as the saying goes!!!!
The airline is only doing what it thinks is required for their business. It's about a long term growth strategy, it's about best practises and it's about building the network. The Middle East and the Asia Pacific region will rule the roost in the years to come.
There we go again !!!
Posted by Maroof Baig, Dubai, UAE on Monday 15 June 2009 at 20:26 UAE time
Another classic example of Qatar Airways following Dubai !!!
Posted by Maroof Baig, Dubai, UAE on Monday 15 June 2009 at 20:26 UAE time
Another classic example of Qatar Airways following Dubai !!!
Click here to post a comment
MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM
TOP IN MIDDLE EAST TRANSPORTATION
TOP MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS STORIES
ALSO IN MIDDLE EAST TRANSPORTATION
LATEST MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS NEWS
- Banking & Finance: Islamic banks should target female market - report
- Travel & Hospitality: flydubai set to launch new flights to Nepal
- Real Estate: Dubai's Oct property sales value rises by 50% - official
- Politics & Economics: UAE considers allowing citizens to elect 50% of FNC
- Travel & Hospitality: Emirates brings forward Paris A380 plans
SHARE PRICE CHECK
RELATED STORIES
Paris Air Show
3 stories- Qatar sets date for Australia flights launch
18 Jun '09 | News - Etihad CEO sees summer as key to 2010 break even
16 Jun '09 | News - Dubai eyes further $10bn investment in airport
16 Jun '09 | News
Qatar Airways
| 188 stories- Qatar committed to cleaner aviation fuels
22 Nov '09 | News - Qatar Airways maintains double digit growth - CEO
27 Oct '09 | News - Battle of the skies
15 Oct '09 | Features
Mobile
