Qatar Airways receives 4 new A320 aircraft

Qatar Airways Group has set a new industry record, with the delivery of four new Al Maha aircraft to Doha in just one day, from aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

The new A320 aircraft were inaugurated at a signing ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Al Maha Airways Akbar Al Baker and Airbus CEO Fabrice Bregier.

The four latest generation A320 aircraft, which carry the green Al Maha livery, will join the Qatar Airways' fleet and operate on the airline's key destinations across the Middle East, prior to the commencement of operations of Al Maha Airways. The new airline, which will be an independent airline based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will operate an expanding fleet of aircraft, featuring the distinctive and familiar Oryx livery.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Al Maha Airways Akbar Al Baker, said: "It is a moment of significant pride to be welcoming the first aircraft of the new Al Maha Airways fleet, let alone four such aircraft in the same day. Featuring the distinctive new livery of Al Maha Airways, these new A320 aircraft will offer passengers the opportunity to travel on board the latest and most modern aircraft in the skies." Qatar Airways has one of the world's youngest fleets and continues to invest in next generation aircraft. These four new A320 aircraft, one of the world’s most popular product types, feature the latest technology and distinctive Sharklet wingtips, and while leased to Qatar Airways will take the airline’s fleet count to 156 aircraft.

The new aircraft arrive after a period of significant fleet growth for Qatar Airways, which recently took delivery of the first in its fleet of A380 aircraft and the A350 XWB as Global Launch Customer. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the world to operate every family of Airbus’ modern airliner portfolio, comprising the A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380 aircraft.

Qatar Airways will showcase the airline’s latest First and Business Class offerings at the region's largest travel trade event Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place at the Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 4-7, the carrier said in a press release today.

Qatar Airways’ booth in Hall 2, ME1530, will showcase the airline’s award-winning services and hospitality as guests will have the opportunity to explore a replica of the A350 XWB entrance dome; experience the A380 First Class and Business Class seats; and discover the exclusive on-board offerings of the 787 Dreamliner, A350 XWB, and the A380.

On the opening day of the exhibition, Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker, will host a press conference at Al Ain Room B to highlight the airline’s latest undertakings and continued expansion plans.

Speaking about Qatar Airways’ plans for ATM Dubai, Al Baker said: "As one of the most important travel trade shows in the Middle East, the Arabian Travel Market is the perfect platform for Qatar Airways to communicate its worldwide expansion plans and to connect with travel industry suppliers, partners and key officials," he said. "We have many exciting developments to showcase and discuss and I look forward to speaking about the next chapter in our successful story to our travel partners and customers." As part of its 2015 expansion programme, Qatar Airways will launch flights to six new destinations: Amsterdam, Durban, Faisalabad, Zanzibar, Sialkot and Multan. With the addition of these destinations, Qatar Airways will soon increase its global portfolio to 152 locations across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, North America and South America.

Qatar Airways has also recently announced the increase in frequency of weekly flights for 10 of its existing destinations throughout the Middle East and Europe, to meet the continuous upsurge in passenger demand.