Qatar Airways Plans Major Wide-Body Aircraft Order Amid Expansion
Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways is preparing to place a significant order for wide-body aircraft as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, confirmed that the request for proposal is in its final stages, with an official announcement expected soon.
Although details on the manufacturer remain undisclosed, Qatar Airways could order aircraft from either Boeing, Airbus, or both, depending on its fleet requirements. This move aligns with the airline’s goal of strengthening its long-haul operations and catering to the rising demand for international air travel.
Qatar Airways’ Growth Strategy
Qatar Airways has been consistently expanding its global network, reporting a steady increase in passenger numbers. From April 2024 to January 2025, the airline witnessed a 9% rise in passengers, with a notable 14% increase in European routes and a 12% growth in Germany alone. This surge in demand has prompted the airline to focus on fleet expansion, ensuring it has the capacity to accommodate more passengers while maintaining its high standards of service.
The airline is known for its modern fleet, consisting of Airbus A350s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and Boeing 777 aircraft. However, with aging aircraft due for replacement and an increasing number of passengers flying globally, Qatar Airways is strategically positioning itself for the future.
Recent Fleet Expansions
Qatar Airways has been actively expanding its aircraft fleet in recent years. In July 2024, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the airline increased its Boeing 777X order, adding 20 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft. This brought its total order to 94 Boeing 777X aircraft, including both commercial and cargo variants.
This order also included 40 additional GE9X engines and a long-term maintenance agreement, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Additionally, Qatar Airways’ new Business Class cabins on the Boeing 777X aircraft will feature the highly anticipated Qsuite Next Gen, offering passengers a more luxurious and comfortable flying experience.
Competition and Industry Trends
The demand for wide-body aircraft has been growing as airlines worldwide focus on increasing capacity for long-haul flights. Several leading carriers have announced new aircraft orders in recent months, reflecting a resurgence in global air travel.
For example, Emirates, one of Qatar Airways’ biggest competitors, recently expanded its fleet with additional Airbus A380 aircraft, signaling renewed confidence in the world’s largest passenger airliner. Airlines across the Middle East and Asia are also ramping up their long-haul capabilities, further intensifying competition in the aviation sector.
While Qatar Airways has not yet revealed whether it will choose Airbus or Boeing for its latest order, industry experts speculate that the airline may opt for a mix of aircraft types to maintain operational flexibility. The Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are both strong contenders, given their fuel efficiency and range capabilities.
Qatar Airways’ Technological Advancements
Beyond expanding its fleet, Qatar Airways is also investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance the passenger experience. The airline recently became the first to introduce Starlink satellite internet on its Boeing 777 aircraft, offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provides broadband internet access via satellite, allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted streaming, video calls, and online gaming during their flights. Qatar Airways plans to roll out this technology across its entire fleet within a year, positioning itself as a leader in in-flight connectivity.
Future Outlook
As Qatar Airways moves forward with its fleet expansion plans, the aviation industry will be watching closely to see which aircraft it selects for this major order. The airline’s commitment to growth, innovation, and passenger comfort ensures that it remains a key player in the competitive global airline market.
With international travel rebounding, Qatar Airways’ investment in new wide-body aircraft will help secure its position as a leading airline for long-haul flights. Whether the order goes to Boeing, Airbus, or a combination of both, this move signals the airline’s ambitious plans for the future.
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