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Qatar Airways Prepares Major Aircraft Order and Expands Australian Operations

  • Writer: Tianyi Zhang
    Tianyi Zhang
  • Mar 6
  • 2 min read

Qatar Airways Prepares Major Aircraft Order and Expands Australian Operations

Doha – Qatar Airways is finalizing plans for a significant wide-body aircraft purchase, with industry attention focused on whether the order will go to Airbus, Boeing, or both manufacturers. Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori confirmed the airline’s intent to secure future growth through a "strong, industry-leading fleet," though specifics about the manufacturer(s) remain undisclosed.

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Key Developments


1. Major Aircraft Order Progress

  • CEO Badr al Meer initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process with aircraft manufacturers, signaling an imminent large-scale order.

  • At the July 2024 Farnborough Airshow, al Meer hinted at plans for wide-body jets, aligning with the airline’s post-pandemic expansion strategy.

  • The order aims to strengthen Qatar Airways’ competitive position ahead of the anticipated 2025 aviation industry recovery.


2. Sustained Passenger Growth

  • The airline reported above-market passenger traffic growth from April 2024 to January 2025, attributed to:

    • Strategic hub operations at Hamad International Airport.

    • Premium onboard products like the Qsuite business class.

    • Post-FIFA World Cup tourism momentum.


3. Strategic Expansion in Australia

  • Regulatory Approvals Secured:

    • The Australian government approved Qatar Airways’ acquisition of a 25% stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital.

    • The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) cleared a wet lease agreement between the two airlines.


  • Operational Impact:

    • Adds 28 weekly return flights between Doha and major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth).

    • A wet lease allows Qatar Airways to provide Virgin Australia with aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.


Industry Implications

  • Aircraft Manufacturer Competition: The order’s outcome will significantly impact the Airbus-Boeing rivalry in the wide-body market.

  • Australian Aviation Shift: Qatar Airways’ stake in Virgin Australia challenges Qantas’ domestic dominance while expanding its Asia-Pacific connectivity.

  • Global Ambitions: These moves align with Qatar’s strategy to position Doha as a premier global transit hub.

 
 
 

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