Emirates and Qatar Airways the two fast-growing Gulf-based carriers are set to announce a number of firm orders that could add up to somewhere between 100 to 120 aircraft, aviation officials said.
The announcement will be made at the forthcoming Paris Air Show to be held from June 13 to 19, according to a Gulf News report from Tokyo.
While Emirates is set to order a combination of A350s and Boeing’s ultra-long range B777-200LRs, Qatar Airways is set to order as many as 50 to 60 B787s.
Following Emirates’ recent revelation, Qatar Airways is also set to sign a major firm order in Paris. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ chief executive said on Monday, “Yes, we will make a major announcement at the Paris Air Show. I am not at liberty to reveal anything further, but it is going to be big.” This would be the biggest shift for all-Airbus fleet operator Qatar Airways. Fifty B787s would cost the airline more than $6.25 billion at list price.
More than 300 officials representing 265 airlines and companies gathered in Tokyo to assess the health of the global aviation industry at the 61st annual general meeting of IATA. Airbus and Boeing officials were seen making last-minute efforts on possible orders. An aviation official close to these negotiations told Gulf News that Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has lost out against its new rival as Emirates has decided on Airbus A350.
“Emirates has decided on A350, not the B787,” he said.
Airline officials kept mum on the details of the announcement.
They hinted that it could split its firm orders and keep some reserved for Dubai Airshow.
“We might make an announcement at the Paris Air Show, we might also make another announcement at Dubai Airshow later this year,” said Tim Clark, president of Emirates airline, without giving any more details. “We are talking to both the manufacturers on our future requirements.”
50-60 787’s fro qatar and a mix of 777 and a350’s from Emirates..
By: Shadow1 - 2nd June 2005 at 20:33
The Middle East is indeed witnessing incredible growth. I lived in Abu Dhabi for several years during the early eighties and when I see recent footage of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I can’t believe the difference. Many believe that what Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are doing might be a little dangerous. They are investing a lot of money they might one day loose if they get a little too far ahead of themselves. They seem very sure of themselves with the proiduct they are selling to the public!
By: LBARULES - 2nd June 2005 at 20:12
You only have to look at Ethihad to see how some of these middle eastern carriers can grow, what have they got on order? A345/6, A380, 773, (And each in huge numbers), dont think they have placed an order for the 787 yet.
The middle east really is witnessing incredible growth.
By: Shadow1 - 2nd June 2005 at 20:11
What I would like to know is how these two companies are going to be able to fill these seats? This seems very optimistic on their part! Although I can’t say that I mind seeing both Boeing and Airbus scramble to get the next order. Le Bourget promises to be very interesting!
By: Grey Area - 2nd June 2005 at 17:20
Even so, orders for 50-60 would represent a massive expansion for Qatar Airways.
Are they diversifying into the aircraft leasing business, maybe?
By: Airline owner - 2nd June 2005 at 14:11
they would do. The Midle East (particularly Dubai) is moving up in the world and very quickly at that. EK spent (apparently) around $120,000 on every single first class seat/cabin on their planes.
By: fightingirish - 2nd June 2005 at 14:06
They must have more money than sand.
By: Airline owner - 2nd June 2005 at 14:04
If Qatar only order 50 the EK will then order 70 so I think the order will be more amazing for EK seeing that they have spent millions/billions on 45 A380’s, 12 A340’s and a load of 777-300ER’s.
By: Tigerotor77W - 2nd June 2005 at 13:55
Amazing if true… but I will wait until Paris to be thrilled or saddened about the Qatar order.
By: Airline owner - 2nd June 2005 at 13:45
that really surprised me as well..this qatar order should take the dreamliner above 300 which is an awsome achevement for boeing..a big order for the a350 aswell..IS THE A350 GUARANTEED NOW!! OR CAN THE GOVTS. CONCERNED STILL DENY THE 1/3 DEVELOPMENTAL LOAN??
The A350 should be definate as it is going to upset a few airlines.
By: bring_it_on - 2nd June 2005 at 13:40
that really surprised me as well..this qatar order should take the dreamliner above 300 which is an awsome achevement for boeing..a big order for the a350 aswell..IS THE A350 GUARANTEED NOW!! OR CAN THE GOVTS. CONCERNED STILL DENY THE 1/3 DEVELOPMENTAL LOAN??
By: Airline owner - 2nd June 2005 at 13:34
Good news for all four parties there. I’m surprised with how many planes Qatar are ordering.
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June 2, 2005 at 1:11 pm