Qatar reveals details of massive fleet expansion programme

QATAR AIRWAYS will invest US$15.2 billion (R98.8bn) with both Airbus and Boeing as it embarks on a massive fleet expansion programme. Chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker revealed at the Paris Air Show last week that the Airbus order would be worth US$10.6bn (R68.9bn) and the Boeing order US$4.6bn (R29.9bn). The airline plans to purchase up to 60 A350-800 and A350-900 aircraft to be delivered between mid-2010 and 2015 while its Boeing order will comprise at least 20 Boeing B777 aircraft - the B777-300ER, B777-200LR and B777-200F. Its initial B777 order will be delivered between 2007 and 2010. The exceptional range capability and economics of the B777-200F freighter will supplement Qatar Airways’ existing medium-haul Airbus A300-600R freighter fleet and facilitate the strong cargo growth that we anticipate with the opening of the new Doha International Airport in 2009, Al Baker said. Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, currently operating an all-Airbus fleet of 40 aircraft, flying to 64 destinations worldwide from Doha. The airline launched its SA service in January this year, operating four flights a week to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town, adding approximately 40 tons of weekly cargo capacity to the SA market. Express Air Services is the local general sales and servicing agent.