SEATTLE/DOHA: Qatar Airways on Saturday increased its fleet strength with the 25th Boeing 777 aircraft, as a part of the long term strategy towards expansion and modernisation.
"The Boeing 777 forms the backbone of our long-haul and ultra-long-haul fleet. The latest delivery further cements our strategy in operating one of the youngest fleets in the sky with an exciting and diverse global route network covering all six continents," said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range (ER) version, arrived at the Doha International Airport on April 2, following the overnight delivery flight from Everett Delivery Centre, Boeing's manufacturing factory in the US west coast city of Seattle.
"The 777 is a tool for profitability, but also delivers the highest in customer satisfaction. Its service reliability and cabin architecture, coupled with our innovative interiors and world-class, award-winning in-flight service have made the 777 the aeroplane of choice for our passengers," Al Baker further said.
After an official hand over, the new aircraft departed Seattle on April 1 by 12 noon (Seattle time) and arrived at the Doha International Airport on April 2 at 14.00 (local time).
Palle Hedegaard Jensen, Captain for this new Boeing 777-300 (ER) with 10,000 hrs of flying experience, took a novel route for the Qatar Airways from the US to Doha flying over the North Pole and the aircraft passed top of the world at 4.30am (local time).
"It's the biggest honour to be the captain on board today," said Jensen, who has more than 14 years of experience with Qatar Airways. The airline has grown phenomenally throughout the years, says Jensen, the Danish pilot.
The latest acquisition is the 15th 777-ER in Qatar Airways' Boeing fleet which also includes eight B777-200 Long Range versions and two 777 freighters. Qatar Airways, which began taking deliveries of the Boeing 777s in November 2007, now operates a mixed fleet of 97 Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier aircraft.
"Qatar Airways is one of the true five-star airlines in the world with an unparalleled fleet and outstanding service," said Marlin Dailey, vice president Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
"Qatar Airways is one of only seven airlines with a Five Star ranking awarded by Skytrax. Boeing truly appreciates its business partnership with Qatar Airways and its commitment to the 777 family," he further said.
The Boeing 777 is distinguished by its fuel efficiency, spacious cabin interior, range capability and service reliability.
Qatar Airways' two-class Boeing 777-200ER features 42 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration with each offering a generous seat pitch of 78 inches of leg room. Each seat converts into 180 degree horizontal flat beds.
The aircraft also features 293 Economy seats in a 3-3-3 layout offering up to 34-inch pitch. All seats provide personal touch screen seat back TV screens offering more than 900 interactive audio and video entertainment options, regardless of the travel class.
During summer, Qatar Airways' fleet strength will increase reach the 100th aircraft. The airline will also open seven new routes over a six-month period.
Apart from the 100th destination Aleppo, six further routes are scheduled to be launched over the coming months, taking the airline's passenger network to 106 destinations.
© The Peninsula 2011
