Qatar Airways to take delivery of A330-200 this week

This will be the second aircraft delivery the Qatari carrier has taken this month, having taken delivery of its ninth A320-200 two weeks ago.

"The delivery of the new Airbus aircraft represents our continuing commitment to offer our customers a greater choice of destinations, more flights, and a premium class service," said the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akbar Al Baker.

"While other international airlines are cutting back their services, we're confident we can continue to offer the travelling public a world-class service."

Qatar Airways now has 23 aircraft and plans to build the fleet to 28 by the end of this year.

"Last year Qatar Airways carried 1.7 million passengers. This year our fleet will carry around 2.7 million," said Al Baker. "This type of growth underscores why Qatar Airways has become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world."

The new A330 will be principally used on Qatar Airways' new non-stop service to Manila, which operates five times a week.

"This means that flight times to the Philippines have been reduced by three hours and that people can experience the latest in-flight entertainment and airline amenities," said Al Baker.

The new A320 is already in service on the airline's regional routes across the Gulf, the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent.

Qatar Airways' fleet currently consists of four A330-200s, nine A320-200s, nine A300-600s, and an ACJ319 corporate jetliner. Qatar Airways is also a launch customer of the A380 super jumbo.

Qatar Airways presently flies to 40 destinations, which it plans to increase to 50 by the end of this year. The airline also operates a number of subsidiary companies including, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aviation Catering Company, Qatar Airways Holidays, Doha International Airport, and Qatar Duty Free.