Qatar Airways outlines expansion plans – 200 aircraft worth $30 billion on order

Qatar Airways has outlined the airline's aggressive expansion plans over the next few years, which include orders for more than 200 aircraft, worth over $30 billion. The airline's aircraft orders, according to  CEO, Akbar Al Baker, would help facilitate the country's economic drive forward and turn Qatar into both a leading regional and global aviation hub.

According to Al Baker, a new wave of aircraft deliveries begins this summer with Qatar Airways' third Boeing 777 joining the carrier's 62 strong fleet. From November this year, Qatar Airways takes delivery of the first of its long range Boeing 777-200 aircraft. The 777 is capable of flying to virtually any key city in the world non stop from Doha.

Al Baker said that Qatar Airways' young fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, which have an average age of just three years, will grow significantly to 70 by the end of 2008, rising further to 110 within five years.

The first Boeing 777-200 will be introduced on the Doha – Houston route from 10 November with a non-stop flying time of 17 hours. Houston will be the carrier's third US destination. Initially, this service will provide direct non-stop flights thrice a week and become a daily service in December 2008

The number of global destinations in Qatar Airways' international network, which currently stands at 82, is slated to rise sharply over the next few years.

The carriers outstanding orders include 80 of Airbus' new-generation A350s, five twin-deck A380s, 60 of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777s. According to Al Baker, Qatar's fleet expansion activities will continue well into the next decade.

''Our vision at Qatar Airways is simple – to invest in, and maintain, a growing fleet of young and modern aircraft flying to key business and leisure destinations worldwide,'' he said.

''Our long range Boeing 777s will open up tremendous new opportunities for us from the end of 2008 with the aircraft capable of flying to all corners of the globe non-stop and provide our customers with a unique flying experience and ultimate levels of comfort.

''Qatar's strategic and geographical location in the heart of the Middle East presents us with excellent opportunities – but more importantly, give the travelling public from the region and around the world excellent connections via our Doha hub.''

A brand new international airport under construction in Doha will also help facilitate growth. The first phase is slated to open for service in 2010.