Qatar Airways is charting a course for significant expansion, having issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for widebody aircraft to aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus, revealed CEO Badr Al Meer in a recent CNBC interview. While the specifics of the number of aircraft or the timeline were not disclosed, industry reports suggest the airline is considering an order of between 100 to 150 twin-aisle planes. This ambitious acquisition is poised to rejuvenate Qatar Airways’ fleet, replacing aging widebodies with more modern and efficient models.
The focus of this large-scale order is expected to be on the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 aircraft, signaling the airline’s commitment to enhancing its long-haul capabilities. However, the distribution of the order between the two manufacturers remains under deliberation, emphasizing the competitive nature of the procurement process. “We released an RFP to create some competition between both suppliers,” Al Meer stated, highlighting the strategic approach Qatar Airways is adopting to secure the best deal.
Qatar Airways, headquartered at Doha Hamad International Airport, boasts a diverse and relatively young widebody fleet. This includes models ranging from the Airbus A330 to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, serving as the backbone of its international network. The airline’s fleet renewal strategy not only aims at operational efficiency but also at meeting the growing demand for its services worldwide.
Qatar Airways’ Current Widebody Fleet
11 A330-300, average age: 15.2 years
4 A330-200, average age: 16.8 years
24 A350-1000, average age: 4.3 years
34 A350-900, average age: 6.9 years
10 A380-800, average age: 8.7 years
11 Boeing 777-200LR, average age: 14.1 years
57 777-300ER, average age: 10.9 years
30 787-8, average age: 9.7 years
17 787-9, average age: 3.5 years
Moreover, Qatar Airways is navigating through challenges posed by production delays and delivery issues from both Boeing and Airbus, affecting its expansion plans to some extent. “We are always looking to grow and expand our fleet and network,” Al Meer remarked, underscoring the importance of timely aircraft deliveries in achieving the airline’s growth objectives. Despite these hurdles, Qatar Airways maintains confidence in both manufacturers’ ability to resolve these issues.
This potential order marks a significant investment in Qatar Airways’ future, reflecting its ambition to maintain a leading position in the global aviation market. With this move, the airline not only aims to modernize its fleet but also to ensure it continues to offer its passengers the highest levels of comfort and efficiency on long-haul flights.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com
