Qatar Airways fleet grows to 80 aircraft

Qatar Airways has announced that its fleet has expanded to 80 aircraft - double its size five years ago.

The carrier currently has a delivery schedule of more than one new plane every month, which reportedly makes it one of the world's fastest growing airlines.

It recently received its 15th Boeing 777 ER jet, which it will use to operate long-haul flights from Doha, its main hub in Qatar.

Qatar Airways expects its fleet to reach 120 aircraft by 2013, while the carrier's route network is set to grow from 86 destinations to 120 over the same period.

Speaking at the India Aviation Air Show in Hyderabad, chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: "Just five years ago, Qatar Airways operated 40 aircraft. Today our fleet has doubled in size to 80 aircraft.

"As our fleet increases, we are able to raise capacity on existing services and introduce new routes, which is continuing as planned despite the industry facing challenges amid the current global economic climate."

The airline recently expanded its presence in south-east Asia, with the launch of additional flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bali.

Posted by Carrie, 05 March 2010 14:34

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