Qatar Airways to Acquire Four Airbus A321s

Released on Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Qatar Airways, the national airline of Qatar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of four Airbus A321 aircraft. The agreement was signed at a ceremony at the 46th Farnborough International Airshow by Qatar Airway's Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, and Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders.

"Concluding this deal with Airbus for the additional A321 aircraft will further assist Qatar Airways in the rapid development of its regional network," said Mr Al Baker. "Qatar Airways' young and fuel efficient fleet of Airbus A320 family of aircraft continues to support the airline's dramatic growth at a time when the airline industry as a whole is struggling with the impact of prevailing high fuel prices," he added.

The Doha-based airline's current in-service fleet consists of a total of 19 A320 Family variants, one A300-600R, three A300-600 freighters, 31 A330s, and four A340-600s.

"Qatar Airways' attention to passenger service is legendary, so we are delighted to have it as a customer for the A321," says Tom Enders. "We take great pride in our partnership with Qatar Airways which dates back to its inception in 1992. Qatar Airways is a world class airline and our partnership grows with these new aircraft order."

Qatar Airways is one of the world's leading airlines, with a fleet that comprises aircraft from the A320, A300/A310 and A330/A340 families including the ACJ corporate jet. Qatar Airways is also a customer for the 21st Century flagship, the A380 and is the largest customer for the A350 XWB.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Around 6,200 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 3,500 delivered to some 280 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever.

With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.