Qatar Airways has signed a $1.6 billion deal with the European aerospace consortium Airbus Industrie, involving the purchase of two Airbus 380 double-decker superjumbos, and the option to buy two more. The company also placed an order for five A330-200 aircrafts, along with three options.
The A380 aircraft, which will be delivered in 2007 and 2008, has a capacity of 540 passengers and they will be used mainly on the long-haul routes. The A330-200s each seat 235 passengers. Qatar Airways has put in a firm order for five aircraft, and may order three more. Delivery will begin in 2002 and will be completed before 2004.
The airline selected the General Electric CF6-80E1 engines to power its new A330-200 planes. A tender will be put out for the engines of the A380s.
Qatar Airways thus becomes the second Gulf airline to order the A380. Dubai's Emirates Airlines was the first. Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of six A320s and seven A300-600Rs. — (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
