Qatar Airways signed a firm contract yesterday for 24 Airbus A320-family aircraft in a deal that included the conversion of an option the operator placed during last year’s Farnborough air show for four A321s. Qatar expects to take delivery of the first of those airplanes this coming November, while yesterday’s new order for 20 A320s gets filled through the end of 2012. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker placed a value of $1.9 billion on the contract during a ceremony at the Airbus press chalet.
“I have to say, in favor of Airbus, we wanted to expedite deliveries [of the 20 A320s] but Airbus didn’t have the slots available,” said Al Baker.
Now flying 19 of the single-aisle Airbuses, Qatar Airways already ranks as the largest operator of the type in the Middle East. The new airplanes, to come configured with a two-class cabin, will “enhance and expand” Qatar’s service in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and India, said Al Baker.
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