Qatar Airways orders 24 new aircraft

Qatar Airways has confirmed orders for 24 new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

The airline signed a firm contract at the Paris Air Show and said that the deal is indicative of its "commitment towards maintaining an aggressive expansion strategy".

Qatar Airways will begin receiving the new aircraft in November this year through to the end of 2012 and will use the planes to operate flights in the Middle East, Europe and Asia from its hub in Doha.

Akbar Al Baker, chief executive officer of the airline, said: "The additional Airbus A320s and A321s give Qatar Airways a firm footing in the rapid development and expansion of our regional network.

"Qatar Airways is determined to grow with the world's best aircraft at the heart of a modern and fuel-efficient fleet, and this A320 family order will ensure that our narrow-body fleet is the youngest and best-equipped in the region."

Earlier this month, the airline confirmed that it will be expanding its international network over the winter with the launch of new flights to Amritsar and Goa in India on October 11th and 25th respectively.

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