The agreement was signed at the 47th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget between Akbar Al-Baker, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer and Louis Gallois Airbus President and CEO. This follows on an initial agreement announced in May-2007.

The 80 A350 XWBs include 20 A350 XWB-800s, 40 A350 XWB-900s and 20 of the largest in the family, the A350 XWB-1000. Deliveries will begin from 2013. Qatar Airways will use the A350 XWBs to complement and subsequently replace its A330s on regional and long haul routes.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker, stated: "this deal with Airbus… is a significant step in our development and towards reinforcing our commitment to operating the very latest and most modern fleet.”

Qatar Airways is the largest all-Airbus operator in the Middle East and one of the world's leading airlines, with a fleet that comprises aircraft from the A320, A300/A310 and A330/A340 families.

Date posted: 20-Jun-07