Large Widebody Order To Meet Doha-Based Carrier's Expansion Plans
Dubai, UAE - Qatar Airways today announced an order for 30 firm and 30 option Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, together with confirmed orders for 27 Boeing 777s and an additional five options.
Details of the order were unveiled during a press conference at the Dubai Air Show attended by senior executives of both companies together with GE Aviation, which will supply engines for the aircraft.
Addressing media in Dubai this afternoon, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "We are proud to join the growing list of Boeing 787 customers. With deliveries from mid-2010 through to 2014, the 787 will form the core of Qatar Airways regional and medium-haul fleet from the next decade and its optimum size and outstanding fuel efficiency and economics will underpin the airline's profitability and competitiveness as it builds its hub at Doha's new international airport."
Al Baker said the decision to opt for the Boeing 787 was taken following a detailed analysis of the airline's future aircraft needs over a period of three years, including significant inputs to the 787's original definition and specification. The Boeing 787 order is for the 787-8 version with options to convert to the 787-9 variant.
"Later this month, Qatar Airways takes delivery of the first of its 27 firm Boeing 777s, which signals our first move to induct Boeing aircraft into our fleet," he said.
Qatar Airways has confirmed orders for 14 777-300ERs, 6 777-200LRs and 7 777-200Fs, with deliveries beginning later this month and running until mid-2010. The two passenger 777 variants will facilitate a major expansion in the airline's long haul passenger network. The 777-200 freighters, which will be delivered from 2009, provide outstanding economics enabling Qatar Airways to build up an efficient cargo hub linking Europe and Asia, supplemented by its regional widebody freighters and belly capacity.
Added Al Baker: "I am pleased to say that the Boeing 787s and 777s will strengthen our partnership with Boeing for years to come. Our passenger fleet is among the youngest and eco-friendly in the world with a projected average age of just over three years by next year."
The aggregate value of the 30 Boeing 787s and 27 Boeing 777 firm aircraft is estimated at US$13.5 billion at catalogue prices.
All of the aircraft acquired by Qatar Airways from Boeing will be equipped with General Electric engines. Al Baker added: "The choice of the GEnx and GE90 powerplants to power the airline's new Boeings will further cement the excellent working relationship already established with General Electric on its CF6 programme."
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Notes to Editors:
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 58 all-Airbus aircraft to 79 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Far East, Indian subcontinent and North America. The highlight of this year's expansion has been the launch of flights to New York (Newark) and Washington DC - the airline's first move into the North American market.
The Doha-based carrier is one of only five airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways' cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running in 2007 following a survey of more than 12 million passengers. During the 2006/07 financial year, Qatar Airways carried more than 8 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto www.qatarairways.com
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways ordered 80 Airbus A350s in a deal worth more than US$16 billion. The airline is a launch customer of the twin-deck Airbus A380 'super jumbos' with five aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2010. Qatar Airways moves to the New Doha International Airport in 2009, when the first phase of the new facility is scheduled to open. For more information, visit www.ndiaproject.com
From November 27, Qatar Airways launches four-flights-a-week to the Swedish capital Stockholm. Daily scheduled services to the western Indian city of Ahmedabad are due to begin on December 12.
For further information, please contact:
Salam Al Shawa
Senior Manager Corporate Communications
Qatar Airways
Tel: +974 4496956
Fax: +974 4620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
Website: www.qatarairways.com
Anoushka Misra/ Wendy D'silva
ASDA'A Public Relations, Dubai
Tel: 009714 3355969
E-mail: info@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2007
