Qatar Airways announces USD5.1 billion deal for 34 more aircraft

In addition, the airline will be taking two new airbus aircraft on a 5-year lease from GECAS.

Qatar Airways' Chief Executive Officer Mr Akbar Al Baker and Airbus Industrie's Chief Executive Officer Mr Noel Forgeard announced the historic deal today at the Paris Airshow in Le Bourget.

Qatar Airways is the launch customer for the High Gross Weight A340-600 aircraft that the airline will receive in June 2006.

The deal includes:

- A firm order for 14 Airbus A330s, to be delivered to the airline from September 2004 to 2008.
- Options for another eight A330s.
- General Electric engines for the A330.
- A firm order for two A340-600 High Gross Weight, to be delivered from June 2006 to 2010.
- Options for another eight A340-600 HGW.
- Rolls Royce engines for the A340-600 HGW.
- Firm orders for two A321s, to be delivered from December 2003.
- The leasing of two A330-200s for five years from July 2004.

"This historic deal reflects the continuing confidence we have in becoming one of the world's leading airlines," said Mr Al Baker.

"This is the largest aircraft order that Qatar Airways has ever placed and will increase our fleet from 24 to 52 in five years.

"It is a very significant investment in the airline's future.

"By the end of 2003 we will have 29 aircraft in the fleet, 32 by the end of 2005 and 52 by the end of 2008.

"The new order will give Qatar Airways the continued capacity to grow and serve new markets allowing us to maintain the quality of our premium product.

"In particular, the A340-600s will give us the capacity to introduce long haul services to destinations like the US.

"The A330-200s to date have allowed us to introduce innovations in our services and products, and will help us continue to build a strong reputation for our high service quality.

"Airbus has proved to be a very practical aircraft for Qatar Airways and has suited our philosophy of offering our passengers the very best in-flight services.

"We obviously look forward to working with Airbus during the next seven years, as the aircraft are delivered.

"The new order complements the existing fleet of 24 which includes nine A300-600s, nine A320-200s, four A330-200s and one ACJ and one A300-600 Freighter.

"Qatar Airways is also one of the launch customers for the A380 super jumbo. We have a firm order for two A380s, and options for another two," said Mr Al Baker.

Building on a reputation of premium customer service, Qatar Airways has launched an aggressive growth plan to ensure that it can offer people a greater choice of destinations, more flights, and the latest in-flight products and services.

As part of this growth plan, Qatar Airways will extend its route network to 50 destinations by the end of 2003. It presently flies to 41 destinations. It has recently added Manchester and Rome to its increasing route network and will begin flights to Moscow in August.

Qatar Airways is also increasing its fleet. It presently has 24 new Airbus aircraft, which will grow to 29 by the end of this year. Qatar Airways recently announced that it would take delivery of a long range A319 corporate jetliner. It is also one of the launch customers for the A380 'super jumbo' in 2009.

Qatar Airways 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.