MaxKingsley-Jones/LONDON
Qatar Airways is accelerating its fleet expansion, with discussions for the lease of up to six Airbus A330s as part of a plan to boost long-haul operations.
The Doha-based airline recently concluded a deal to bolster its short-haul fleet with A320s, placing an order for up to 11 aircraft. Qatar is now focusing on its long-haul needs. Three 220-seat A300-600Rs are leased from Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services for use on long-haul operations, but Qatar chief executive Akbar Al Baker says that the airline wants to capitalise on the growth in the region and needs larger aircraft.
Al Baker says options are already in place with an unnamed leasing company for two new A330-200s in 1999. He is holding talks with International Lease Finance (ILFC) to lease two ex-Malaysia Airlines A330-300s later this year. Two of the Malaysian carrier's 12 Pratt & Whitney PW4000-powered A330-300s are leased from ILFC. The first is to be returned to the lessor soon and the second is due back in early 1999.
"We will decide on the ILFC deal this month and, if we go ahead, these will replace two of the three A300s," says Al Baker. The A330s would be taken on four to five year leases, says Al Baker.
"We are evaluating the A330 along with the [Boeing] 767-400, and aim to finalise an order for one of them next year," says Al Baker. "We will also take operating leases to ensure we can have aircraft immediately," he says.
Al Baker adds that, if the A330 is selected, then the airline will operate a mix of -200s and -300s, which typically seat around 250 and 290 passengers respectively in a three-class layout.
Source: Flight International
