Qatar Airways is awaiting final offers from manufacturers for a major widebody order which could see it take its first new Boeing aircraft.
The Qatari flag carrier's chief executive Akbar Al Baker says that he expects the deal to be finalised in the coming months. "We are in negotiations with Airbus and Boeing for a number of long-range widebodies, which we aim to announce at the Paris air show [in June]," he adds.
The airline is a major Airbus operator, flying nine A300-600Rs, eight A320s and three A330-200s, with a further six A320s, two A330-200s and two -300s on order. It also has commitments for four A380s.
Qatar Airways declines to specify types under evaluation, but they are likely to be the A330, A340-500/600 and Boeing 777. Al Baker says he has not ruled out a mixed Airbus/Boeing order. Deliveries are due to begin next year, he adds.
Source: Flight International
