Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad to place orders for more widebody aircraft

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(CAPA): Qatar Airways reportedly plans to order 80 Airbus A350XWB aircraft, with a contract, valued at USD16 billion at list prices, potentially to be signed by mid-07. Earlier, CEO, Akbar Al Baker, confirmed plans to double the carriers fleet to approximately 120 aircraft by 2017. Qatar Airways took delivery of an A330-200 on 14-Mar-07, its 29th A330/A340 family aircraft and the 800th model of the family delivered by Airbus.

Emirates is reportedly awaiting Airbus' final proposal for the A350 XWB before it finalises an order of up to 100 widebody aircraft “later this year”. The carrier also confirmed (15-Mar-07) it would seek compensation from Airbus, due to operating weight issues with the A380. According to President, Tim Clark, the A380 will be six tonnes overweight from its original specifications, which will increase fuel burn.

Etihad Airways meanwhile confirmed (25-Mar-07) plans to invite bids for narrowbody and widebody aircraft contracts from Boeing and Airbus in 2008. The carrier is examining B737/A320 equipment for a planned regional expansion, including new routes to India, and B787/A350 XWB aircraft for long-haul routes. The carrier has not announced how many aircraft it plans to acquire.

The airline’s CEO, James Hogan, also stated Etihad would not cancel its order for four A380s. According to Mr Hogan, “we are reviewing whether we need to defer [the A380s] - that is the dialogue we are having with Airbus”.

Date posted: 26-Mar-07.

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