Qatar Airways to showcase first premium configured A319 at Dubai 2001

The Airbus Industrie A319 in the Qatari flag carrier's livery will take to the skies over Dubai 2001, at the Dubai Airport Expo, to perform an aerial display on November 4th, the show's opening day. The aircraft will then go on static display for the show's remaining four days.

"The Dubai air show has international status and as such is the natural focal point for aviation executives from an area of very rapid economic development. It is the perfect forum for one of the region's, and therefore one of the world's, fastest growing international air lines - Qatar Airways," said Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways.

The premium configuration of Qatar Airways' Airbus Corporate Jetliner includes such features as each seat having its own computer point, in-flight entertainment, satellite communication and fully reclined seating. The aircraft also has medivac facilities.

"The A319 is symbolic of Qatar Airway's commitment to provide a high class of customer service and its dedication to creative innovation. With us it is more than just getting customers from point 'A' to point 'B'. We take criticism very seriously and are continually evaluating our product at all levels. We aim to position ourselves as the premium carrier in the region," added Al Baker.

Qatar Airways has one of the highest growth rates in civil aviation today. This double-digit growth is set to continue over the next eight to ten years. Its fleet is set grow by 70% - from ten aircraft today to 17 by December 2002. The close of 2006 should see Qatar Airways' fleet triple in size.

"This policy of rapid development is needed to service our ever expanding route network which will double over the next four years and does not include our acquisitions of two A380s in 2007 nor the introduction of a freighter into the fleet this year," said Al Baker.

"The phenomenal growth is being fuelled by Qatar itself which is experiencing the highest rate of economic growth in the world and whose population enjoy a level of per capita income rivalled by few. With such events as the Asian Games in 2006 and the World Trade Organisation meeting in November this year coupled with the continual development of Qatar's tourism infrastructure, demand on Qatar Airways' services will only increase," added Al Baker.

Dubai 2001 as a barometer of the regional aviation industry is keeping pace with this trend of growth. This year's air show has already seen nine national pavilions confirmed, including the first time participation by an official Swedish pavilion, mounted by the Swedish Civil Aviation Group (SCAG), and 95% of floor space sold out with exhibitors from 25 countries.

"The air show was created as a business forum for aviation specialists by aviation specialists. So when we have regional exhibitors, of the ilk of Qatar Airways exhibiting for the first time, it reinforces our belief that our product is keeping pace with the region's rapidly developing aviation industry and is continuing to effectively service this burgeoning market," said Clive Richardson, CEO, Fairs and Exhibitions, which organises Dubai 2001.

To date 38 aircraft have been listed as possible participants in Dubai 2001 including the 'Ferrari of the sky' - the Piaggio P180 Avanti, the Sukhoi SU-MK 30, Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Airbus Industrie's new A340-600 and the Aero L 159 ALCA of the Czech Republic's Aero Vodochody.