Le Bourget, PARIS AIR SHOW – Qatar Airways today confirmed an order with International Aero Engines to power 24 new Airbus A320 family of aircraft.
The airline has selected IAE’s V2500 SelectOne engines for twenty A320s and four A321s with the business valued at more than US$700 million at list prices.
The announcement by the Doha-based carrier was made during a packed press conference on the opening day of the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget today as the airline confirmed an order for 24 of the A320 family of aircraft.
Qatar Airways currently operates 19 A320 Family aircraft, and is the Middle East’s largest customer of this particular fleet. The new aircraft, configured with a two-class cabin, will be deployed to enhance and expand services on regional, European and southwest Asian services. Deliveries of the new aircraft are due to begin in November 2009, running through to the end of 2012.
Addressing media today, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “We have a reputation for selecting only the best for our airline and we know from experience that the V2500 is the superior technology engine for the A320 family of aircraft.
“It is the most reliable option in the many harsh weather conditions we operate in. The V2500 SelectOne upgrade also offers us the lowest fuel burn and a corresponding reduction in emissions, which is vital as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme and commitment to a greener environment.”
IAE President and Chief Executive Officer Jon Beatty added: “We’re delighted that Qatar Airways has decided to place this order, which is firmly based on its experience with the V2500 engine. When we began the original process of designing the engine modifications that would eventually become the V2500 SelectOne, we started with what was important to our customers. Fuel burn has been, and continues to be, one of the largest operating expenses for an airline and the benefits we offer through this new build standard continue to drive our success.”
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 82 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is proud to be Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways has been awarded World’s Best Airline, World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways sponsors world-leading sports teams including FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally