Qatar Airways hopes to re-open negotiations with Bombardier about an order for its new CSeries twinjet within the next 6-12 months, says Akbar Al Baker, chief executive of the Doha-based carrier.

Speaking today in Geneva, he says: "We are still in talks with Bombardier for the CSeries but we are very busy at the moment and have delayed furthering our negotiations with them for the CSeries."

The delay does not mean Al Baker's interest in the aircraft has dimmed, however.

"It is going to be a very fine airplane," he insists, adding that not only is Qatar Airways interested in operating the aircraft in its own fleet, but "we are interested in buying them for our leasing company" as well.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news