Qatar Airways (Doha) has selected the Airbus A320neo as the new standard aircraft for expanding its short to medium haul fleet and has increased its order for the A380. The agreement signed at the 2011 Dubai Airshow, is a firm contract for 50 A320neo aircraft and five additional A380s.
The A320neo is an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings, representing some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year.
Qatar Airways has ordered a total of 43 A320 Family aircraft directly from Airbus and, including leased aircraft has 38 in its fleet. The last four of the A320s on order will be provisioned for “Sharklets” following a recently signed agreement. Qatar Airways’ total A380 order increases to 10 aircraft following its initial order for two made in 2003, which was later raised to five in 2007. Qatar Airways’ current fleet also includes the region’s largest number of A330s (29).
The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. The A320neo reduces fuel burn by 15%, which is equivalent to 1.4m litres of fuel – the consumption of 1000 mid size cars. This saves 3600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year, the amount of CO2 absorbed by 240,000 mature trees. The A320neo aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint. Sales of the neo have reached over 1,200 orders and commitments in under a year, making it the fastest selling aircraft ever.
Qatar Airways also announced an order for two Boeing 777F Freighters at the 2011 Dubai Air Show.
Qatar Airways currently operates 28 Boeing 777s of various types, including 16 777-300 ERs (extended range), three 777F Freighters and nine 777-200 LRs. It recently took delivery of its 100th airplane which was a Boeing 777-200 LR (longer range). By 2013, the airline plans to serve more than 120 destinations worldwide with a fleet of over 120 aircraft. The airline currently has a fleet of 100 aircraft flying to over 100 destinations.
Image: Airbus.
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