Max Kingsley-Jones/Paris
Qatar Airways indicates that it still aims to conclude major aircraft orders soon, despite its much expected buying spree at the Paris air show not materialising.
Although the Doha-based carrier disclosed a deal for six more Boeing 777-300ERs on the first day of the show, expected orders for Airbus A320neos, A380s and Bombardier CSeries twinjets were not announced.
"We're still interested in the CSeries, but have deferred our decision to a later date," Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker told Flight International.
A major stumbling block for Qatar Airways in its CSeries negotiations had centred on engine maintenance cost guarantees from engine supplier Pratt & Whitney.
However, Al Baker said these issues have now been resolved. "We have no material differences with Pratt on the PW1500G," he added.
Al Baker said that the airline also intends to order A320s "but we don't know when. We still have unfinished business with Airbus on other matters".
He did not disclose what these issues related to or the status of the airline's talks for additional A380s.
Source: Flight International
