Dubai: Qatar Airways finally announced a $6.5 billion (Dh23.8 billion) deal with European planemaker Airbus yesterday at the Dubai Airshow after a frantic day of negotiations and public frustration.
The Doha-based carrier made an order for 50 of Airbus' new generation A320neo (new engine option) aircraft with a further 30 on option, together with five additional A380 super-jumbos and three options for a total of 88 narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft.
However, that agreement looked doomed just hours earlier when Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways chief executive officer, announced an "impasse in negotiations" and declared that Airbus was "still learning how to make aeroplanes" without elaborating on the reasons for his anger.
Impasse
The Doha-based airline was expected to make an announcement earlier with Airbus during the show for an additional five A380s and approximately 50 of the A320 neo — the revamped version of Airbus' smallest range aircraft. However, the airline cancelled the briefing and instead announced a deal with Boeing in dramatic fashion.
Asked to elaborate on reasons for stalling the Airbus order, Al Baker, said: "We have reached an impasse with them [Airbus]. We thought that we will conclude our agreement and make a very large announcement. Unfortunately, I feel that Airbus is still learning how to make airplanes.
"We have cancelled the announcement and we are at an impasse. If this is resolved, we will make an announcement. Otherwise, we will say goodbye."
He finally made the announcement at 3.30pm.
Al Baker says Qatar Airways would have a fleet of 170 aircraft by 2016; it currently has 103 aircraft and flies to 108 destinations.
The A320neo is designed to save fuel savings and emit less carbon dioxide.
Freighters ordered
Qatar Airways yesterday signed a $560 million (Dh2.05 billion) deal with Boeing for two Boeing 777-200 LR (long-range) freighters.
The deal will increase the Doha-based carrier's 777 freighter fleet to eight. Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Al Baker said the twin-engine freighter order would help boost the airline's cargo expansion strategy.
"As we accelerate efforts to boost our global cargo network, we are expanding our fleet with airplanes like the Boeing 777 freighter that allow us to deliver cargo further and more efficiently than ever before," he said.
Qatar Airways currently operates 28 Boeing 777s — the three freighters and remainder passenger aircraft.
"Qatar Airways' expansion strategy is clearly built on the principle of delivering cargo efficiently from one point to another and its choice of the 777 freighter, with its unparalleled capabilities, reflects that," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
