His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, French President Emmanuel Macron, His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani look on as Airbus chief operating officer and Airbus Commercial Aircraft president Fabrice Brégier and Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker sign the order.
Qatar Airways has reconfirmed and upsized its earlier order for 50 A320neo with a firm order instead for 50 of the larger A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration), in an order signed in the presence of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The order was signed by Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker, and Airbus chief operating officer and Airbus Commercial Aircraft president Fabrice Brégier, during the French president’s visit to Doha.
“The selection of the largest member of Airbus’ single family reflects the airline’s need for efficiency and additional capacity,” Qatar Airways said in a statement. This updated order replaces the original one placed in 2011.
Joining Qatar Airways’ fleet of 50 A320neo from 2019 onwards, the A321neo ACF will support the continuous development of Qatar Airways’ global network. The total value of the deal is at $6.35bn at list prices.
Al-Baker said: “At a time when Qatar Airways is experiencing unprecedented growth and expansion, the need for efficient, reliable and modern aircraft has never been greater. To answer our need for growth and additional capacity, the A321neo ACF is a world-class choice for our passengers and for our business. Qatar Airways is the fastest growing airline in the world and with this aircraft we will operate the youngest fleet while delivering unprecedented comfort and services to our customers.”
Brégier said: “We are pleased that a signature airline like Qatar Airways has chosen the A321neo ACF. This is an endorsement for the largest member of our single aisle family. It confirms the aircraft’s strong position as the ideal Middle of the Market airplane for the Middle East. We look forward to seeing the A321neo ACF flying in Qatar Airways colours and to contributing to the airline’s continued success and excellence.”
Qatar Airways in 2015 welcomed the Airbus A350-900 into its fleet as Global Launch Customer. The airline will soon welcome the Airbus A350-1000, also as Global Launch Customer. The airline’s modern fleet was one of the reasons passengers voted it as Skytrax Airline of the Year 2017, for the fourth time.
The A321 is the largest member of the A320 family, seating up to 240 passengers. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15% per seat from day one and 20% by 2020.
The A321neo ACF introduces new door and fuselage enhancements, allowing airlines to make better use of the cabin space and also provide provision for more underfloor fuel capacity for up to 4,000nm transatlantic range.
The A320neo family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15% fuel savings at delivery and 20% by 2020. With more than 5,200 orders received from 95 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo family has captured some 60% share of the market.
Qatar Airways flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, bringing people to Doha from every corner of the globe via the award-winning, state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport.
Now in its 20th year of operation, that national carrier of Qatar has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.
Qatar Airways will be adding flights to many more destinations to its network throughout the remainder of this year and 2018, including St Petersburg, Russia; Canberra, Australia; and Cardiff, UK.
Gulf Times
07 December
