Qatar Airways’ Fleet Size Rises to 80 Aircraft

Airline Doubles Fleet In Five Years

Carrier Celebrates Continued Growth At India Aviation Air Show In Hyderabad

CEO Akbar Al Baker Spells Out Continued Growth Strategy At Press Briefing

9 March 2010

Qatar Airways today celebrated another milestone in its remarkable short history announcing its fleet size has grown to 80 aircraft – double the size of five years ago.

The airline has inducted its 15th Boeing 777 into the fleet and maintains a delivery schedule of more than one new aircraft a month, retaining its status as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines.

The newest Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft will serve long haul routes from the airline’s operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. The aircraft is part of a larger order for more than 220 different aircraft worth over US$40 billion placed in recent years.

With the fleet set to grow to 120 aircraft by 2013 and current global network of 86 destinations also expected to rise to 120 by 2013, Qatar Airways is continuing its expansion strategy with vigour.

“Yet again, Qatar Airways is demonstrating its continued commitment to growth, a strategy set in 1997 when the airline was launched under the auspices of The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ,“ said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

Addressing media in Hyderabad during India Aviation 2010, the country’s second International Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation, Al Baker said Qatar Airways was forging ahead with expansion at an unprecedented rate.

“Just five years ago, Qatar Airways operated 40 aircraft. Today our fleet has doubled in size to 80 aircraft. As our fleet increases, we are able to raise capacity on existing services and introduce new routes which is continuing as planned despite the industry facing challenges amid the current global economic climate,” said Al Baker.

“Qatar Airways set out a long-term vision to be a world leader with innovative inflight service using the most modern and efficient aircraft in the skies today. This is what gives us an edge over our competitors and, rest assured, we will maintain and step up our momentum to reach our ultimate goal of being the Best Airline in the World.”

Last week, Qatar Airways embarked on its aggressive 2010 expansion programme with the launch of daily non-stop flights between Doha and Bengaluru (Bangalore), the State capital of Karnataka. It was the first of several planned new route launches this year.

Beginning March 30, scheduled flights are set to be introduced to the Danish capital of Copenhagen; April 5 sees the Turkish capital Ankara coming on line; April 26 is the launch date of daily flights to the Japanese capital, Tokyo; June 7 sees Barcelona added to the network.

Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-200LR passenger aircraft on static display in Hyderabad during the five-day Air Show features a total of 259 seats (42 seats in Business Class in a 2–2–2 configuration and 217 seats in Economy in a 3–3–3 configuration).

The Boeing 777-200LR flies on ultra long-haul routes of up to 17 hours non-stop, such as Doha to Houston and Melbourne.

With 32 Boeing 777s on order, including passenger and cargo aircraft, these will form the backbone of the airline’s long haul fleet. The aircraft operates on many long-haul routes and also serves selected destinations in India and across Asia.

Business Class passengers are able to enjoy comfortable and spacious seating offering a pitch of up to 78 inches with each seat converting into 180-degree fully flat horizontal beds. With a 2–2–2 seating configuration, Business Class passengers are assured of either a window or aisle seat and plenty of space.

In Economy Class, seat space is above the industry average with a pitch of up to 34 inches offering significant leg room.

Regardless of class of travel, passengers can enjoy the next generation interactive onboard entertainment system with a choice of more than 900 audio and video on demand options. From music, documentaries, movies, sport, comedy, children’s programmes and interactive games, passengers are rest assured of a great choice of touch-screen entertainment through the airline’s Oryx Entertainment system. Both Business and Economy class cabins offer in-seat PC power supply.

The Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft on display in Hyderabad is one of three corporate jets in the airline’s subsidiary Qatar Executive, launched six months ago to serve the Middle East’s expanding corporate business travel market.

With eight reclinable leather seats in a luxurious configuration, the Challenger 300 features premium fittings and has a range of up to 2,800 nautical miles – enough to fly as far as South East Asia and Europe non-stop from Doha.

Being a subsidiary of a well-established Five Star-ranked airline, Qatar Executive leverages on its extensive expertise and experience so VVIP travellers can be rest assured of the highest standards of comfort and reliability provided by highly trained and experienced flight and cabin crew.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 80 aircraft to 86 diverse business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, South Asia and North America.