Aerospace Diary

AIN AIR TRANSPORT PERSPECTIVE  »  JULY 1, 2013 by    NEELAM MATHEWS A Qatar Airways Boeing 787 taxies toward its position on the static display line at Le Bourget. (Photo: David McIntosh) July 1, 2013, 10:30 AM Energized by the explosive growth in the Middle East air transport market, Qatar Airways has turned its attention to Scandinavia as it extends Boeing 787 services to Stockholm on August 1, to be followed a month later to both Copenhagen and Oslo. At the recently concluded Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways  CEO  Akbar Al Baker placed a firm order for a pair of Boeing 777- 300ER s along with options on another seven in a deal potentially valued at $2.8 billion at list prices. “When we say options, we always make them firm orders,” he said. “Options [simply] give us the flexibility of moving up delivery dates.” He expects delivery of the first two early next year. “The - 300ER  is a fantastic [aircra...

Neelam Mathews Jan 15, 2013 There has been much media speculation in recent days linking Qatar Airways with airlines in India, for which Qatar Airways would like to put the record straight, a spokesman told AerospaceDiary. Qatar Airways’ Statement: Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways categorically denies it is interested in investing in Spicejet or any other Indian airline.This is pure speculation by individuals who deliberately want to spread such unfounded rumours to raise the stock value of their entities. “India is a huge market and a potentially lucrative one.  While we have expressed interest in expanding our presence in India, we will only be interested in any potential investment once we are sure regulations and laws are properly liberalised.  I can confirm we are currently not talking to any Indian airline.”