2024-03-15 13:45:51
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March 15, 2024
17:45 pm
Qatar Airways aircraft
Qatar Airways is in early talks with Boeing and Airbus to order up to 150 wide-body jets and revamp its fleet of aging long-haul jets, according to people familiar with the matter.
The sources, who requested anonymity while discussing private negotiations, said: “The national carrier is looking to purchase between 100 to 150 twin-aisle aircraft to modernize and expand its fleet.”
Order will likely be for Airbus A350 or Boeing 777X models, although the mix between the two manufacturers has not been determined, the people said.
CEO Badr Al-Meer told CNBC in an interview: “Qatar Airways requested bids from both aircraft makers for a large order, without specifying the size of the potential purchase or the models required.” Al Meer, who succeeded Akbar Al Baker in October as CEO, previously ran Doha Hamad International Airport.
The sources said: “The size of the deal will depend on factors such as upgrades, replacements and new aircraft needs, and the airline aims to complete the talks in the coming months.” Qatar still operates some older Airbus A330 aircraft, as well as the A380 double-decker aircraft that is not in production. The company also owns the Boeing 777, which is the current version of the American company’s famous twin-engine jet. The next version, called the 777 9, was delayed for several years and has not yet entered commercial service. (Bloomberg)
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