Qatar Airways looks to future following historical announcements at Dubai Air Show

HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, was in Dubai as an honoured guest for the five day event.

During the show, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker inked a number of deals including firm aircraft orders from Boeing worth an estimated $13.5bn at list prices, for 30 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft and 27 Boeing 777s. A further 35 Boeing aircraft are on option. His Excellency Sheikh Hamad presided over the signing.

Qatar Airways also signed a Joint Agreement with Qatar Petroleum, Shell, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Woqod, and Qatar Science & Technology Park to investigate fuel-related benefits of using synthetic jet fuels to power aviation turbine engines. The 'Working Together Agreement' would see Qatar Airways become the first commercial airline in the world to operate flights using gas-to-liquids kerosene fuel.

Use of the new technology would provide an environmentally friendly alternative to current aviation fuels, helping to significantly reduce carbon emissions and reduce the impact on climate change.

The airline's CEO Akbar Al Baker was extremely delighted with events at the bi-annual air show, now the third largest in the world, saying Qatar Airways continues to pave the way as an industry leader and innovator.

'Reducing the airline's carbon footprint by running our aircraft solely on GTL fuel will set a new standard in international aviation, making Qatar Airways the greenest airline in the world. We are extremely proud to be at the forefront of this movement.'

Added Al Baker:

'Dubai Air Show has proved a phenomenal success yet again. We have been delighted by the huge level of response from visitors to our chalet and our exhibition stand. Qatar Airways looks forward to participating at the next air show in two year's time at Dubai's new airport.'

Qatar Airways also signed a deal with UK-based company QinetiQ, to provide a foreign object debris (FOD) detection system that will be implemented along the runway at the Doha International Airport. The airline also discussed similar systems for the New Doha International Airport.

The Dubai Air Show, now in its 10th year broke records, with deals worth over US$130 billion signed amongst participants. Well over 40,000 visitors attended the week-long event with numbers expecting to be even greater when the show moves to the city's new international airport in two years' time.

The airline once again showcased its award-winning hospitality with a luxurious chalet draped in its burgundy corporate colours. The airline's lie-flat First Class seat-cum-bed and two Business Class seats were on display at Qatar Airways' exhibition stand.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 58 all-Airbus aircraft to 79 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Far East, Indian subcontinent and North America. The highlight of this year's expansion has been the launch of flights to New York (Newark) and Washington DC - the airline's first move into the North American market.

With a growing international network, more travellers have an opportunity to use Qatar Airways' Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, exclusively for departing First and Business Class passengers.

The Premium Terminal features facilities including a spa, jacuzzi, exclusive duty free shopping, business centre and fine dining restaurants. Built in just nine months, the US$90 million terminal is the world's first commercial passenger building dedicated to First and Business Class passengers and offers departing and transit passengers an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind prior to their flight.

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