Since its relaunch
in 1997, Qatar Airways has achieved staggering growth
in fleet size and passenger numbers.
From only four aircraft in 1997, the airline grew to
a fleet size of 28 aircraft by the end of 2003 and a
milestone 50 by October 2006. Today, the airline operates
65 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. By 2013, the fleet size
will almost double to 110 aircraft.
Qatar Airways currently has more than 200 aircraft on
order worth over US$40 billion for delivery over the
next few years. At the Farnborough Air Show in July,
Qatar Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding with
Airbus for the purchase up to six Airbus A321 aircraft
– four firm and two on option.
In summer 2007, Qatar Airways announced the single largest
order for Airbus’ new generation A350s, placing an order
for 80 aircraft and three additional Airbus A380 superjumbos
at the Paris Air Show.
During the Dubai Air Show in November 2007, Qatar Airways
ordered 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 32 Boeing B777s.
Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing aircraft
– a Boeing 777-300 Extended Range – in November 2007
with a spectacular water salute ceremony at Doha International
Airport. All the Airbus and Boeing orders include options.
From its hub in Doha, capital of Qatar, the airline
has developed a global network of destinations, covering
Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Far
East and America. By the beginning of 2005, Qatar Airways
flew to 56 destinations, rising to 83 by July 2008 with
cities including Geneva, New York, Washington DC, Stockholm
and Guangzhou added to the network over the past 12
months.
The launch of New York (Newark) flights in June 2007
marked the airline’s entry into the North American market
for the first time. The carrier added daily non-stop
flights to Washington DC in July 2007.
From October 26, Qatar Airways switched its flights
from Newark to New York’s JFK International Airport,
operating non-stop from Doha.
Beginning March 30, 2009, Qatar Airways is set to launch
scheduled flights to Houston – its third US destination
– one of the longest non-stop flights in the world with
a flying time of 17 hours.
During the first half of 2008, Qatar Airways launched
scheduled flights to Guangzhou in southern China and
Kozhikode in India – the carrier’s ninth Indian route.
In line with the company’s philosophy to be innovative,
the airline operates the world’s only dedicated commercial
passenger terminal for its First and Business Class
passengers at Doha International Airport.
The US$90 million Premium Terminal, built in just nine
months, opened in November 2006. It features facilities
such as dedicated check-in for First and Business Class
passengers, a spa, jacuzzi, duty free, business centre,
fine dining restaurants and a cocktail bar.
The airline has grown under the leadership of Chief
Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who has been instrumental
in turning Qatar Airways into an award-winning carrier
and among the best in the world.
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