"There is a possibility we will order even more," Al Baker said at the Qatar Airways A380 delivery press conference in Hamburg, but cautioned the decision depends on how the super-size plane performs once it enters services. The airline's network could accommodate 20 to 25 of the aircraft, he continued.
A new order from QR would be a welcome boost for the A380 programme, which has been struggling to win customer commitments since Emirates placed a top-up order for 50 more of the aircraft last year, bringing the Dubai-based carrier’s total to 140 ordered.
Emirates’ Tim Clark has just opened another door for the A380 programme, saying his carrier would be ready to order 60-70 more of the double-decker if manufacturer Airbus was to introduce a more fuel-efficient A380neo (‘new engine option’). Click here to read the story.
Next in line for introduction of the A380 to its fleet is rival UAE carrier Etihad Airways, which has said it is taking the first of 10 A380s in November, though it wouldn't address future purchase plans.
Qatar Airways will fly its first two 517-seat A380s to London’s Heathrow from October 10, and Paris’ Charles-de-Gaulle from October 12.
For more information, visit qatarairways.com
Dominic Sebastian Lalk
