Qatar to announce major jet deal in Paris

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, May 4, 2005

The buzz in the Middle East today — Qatar Airways will announce a deal for 787s or A350s at next month’s Paris air show.

Interesting note: The Qataris say they’re struggling with high fuel prices, just like everyone else. That could bode well for Boeing, given the 787’s fuel efficiency. However, Qatar already operates Airbus A330s, which would make it more likely to consider A350s, given that the proposed new Airbus plane would be an upgrade of the older one.

Key quote: “Asked how many aircraft Qatar Airways would order, (spokesman Akbar) al-Baker said that would be announced only during the next month’s Paris Airshow. However, he indicated that it would be a ‘huge order’ for an airline of Qatar Airways’ size.”

And in other business, the airline also is looking to establish direct flights to New York.

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