Qatar Airways rounds off a busy 2009

Al Baker: With new aircraft, Qatar Airways has a firm footing in the expansion of our regional network

Qatar Airways took delivery of four new aircraft in December, wrapping up an eventful 2009 for the Doha-based airline.

With the largest delivery schedule in a single month for Qatar Airways, the two Boeing 777-200 long range aircraft and two Airbus A320s take the airline’s fleet size up to 76 aircraft.

Qatar Airways currently has outstanding orders for more than 220 aircraft worth over US$40 billion, and expects to take delivery of more than one new aircraft a month during the next few years.

During 2009, the airline took delivery of 11 new aircraft; launched four new routes – Houston, Melbourne and two Indian destinations of Amritsar and Goa; ordered 24 Airbus A320 family of aircraft; and set up a new corporate jet subsidiary, Qatar Executive.

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One of the two newly-delivered Boeing 777-200LRs will be used to step up frequency on the recently-launched non-stop Doha – Melbourne route from the current three-flights-a-week to daily beginning January 1. The other Boeing 777-200LR has been deployed on flights to the Far East.

The newly-inducted A320s feature 12 seats in business class and 132 in economy. They are the first deliveries of the airline’s 24 Airbus A320 family of aircraft ordered at the Paris Air Show in June. The remaining 22 narrow body aircraft, which includes 18 Airbus A320s and four A321s, are due to be delivered over a two-year period ending in December 2012.

“Today’s consumer is becoming more demanding and, we at Qatar Airways, recognise the need to remain at the forefront of the aviation industry by flying modern aircraft and offer the best levels of comfort and inflight amenities,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.

“The additional Airbus A320s and A321s give Qatar Airways a firm footing in the rapid development and expansion of our regional network, while the Boeing 777s are quickly emerging as the backbone of our long-haul and ultra long-haul flying programme.”

In addition, the year 2009 saw Qatar Airways operate the world’s first commercial passenger flight using fuel made from natural gas from London to Doha; expand its exclusive premium terminal for first and business class passengers at Doha International Airport; open a new transit terminal at the airport; and announce six new routes for 2010 – Ankara, Tokyo, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Copenhagen, Barcelona and Sydney.