Qatar Airways has taken delivery of the first of 14 Airbus A330-300s, becoming the first operator of the type in the Middle East.
The Airbus A330-300 is a larger version of the A330-200s that Qatar Airways already flies, and will add capacity from its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, to destinations primarily in Europe.
With seating in first, business and economy for 259 passengers, Qatar Airways' A330-300 features the latest in premium class seats and video on-demand entertainment. The aircraft are powered by General Electric CF6-80E1s.
"With unbeatable economics and the range to serve all of our trunk destinations non-stop, the Airbus A330-300 is a truly awesome addition to our fleet," says Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker.
"This aircraft, and indeed, the family of Airbus aircraft that Qatar Airways operates, enable us to fly with low maintenance costs, high fuel efficiency and ultimately offer passengers the most comfortable cabin. And as the first aircraft in our fleet with the latest seats and in-flight entertainment, our passengers are in for a real - treat. By operating an all-Airbus fleet, we ensure commonality benefits that the entire fleet will bring us in both cost savings and operational flexibility."
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, operating flights from Doha, to 53 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East.
The airline has the largest all-Airbus fleet in the Middle East, with aircraft that now range in size from the A319 up to the A330-300. It also has A340-600s and A380s on order, so it will eventually fly airliners from all of the Airbus aircraft families. And with extensive cockpit commonality among Airbus aircraft, Qatar Airways is well placed to benefit from valuable savings in training and operational flexibility.
Qatar Airways was the first airline customer for the Airbus corporate jetliner (ACJ) and A319 Long Range, and will be the first to take delivery of the A340-600 with a maximum take-off weight of 380 tonnes. When all of the A330-200s and -300s are delivered, it will be the largest single operator of the A330 in the world.
"With its 'taking you more personally' approach to customer service, strong traffic growth, and the most modern aircraft family that money can buy, Qatar Airways is poised for even more growth and prosperity, as its recent passenger preference awards from Skytrax testify," says Airbus President and CEO Nol Forgeard.
Airbus' A330/A340 family is the market leader in the 250-375 seat class, with some 830 orders to its credit from around 65 customers. It consistently leads in independent passenger surveys.
Airbus offers airlines the most modern airliner family, using the latest technology to deliver worthwhile benefits to its customers. Its aircraft lead the market in the Middle East, having been chosen by most of the carriers in the region for their fleet modernisations and expansions.
Airbus is an EADS joint company with BAE Systems.
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© Press Release 2004
