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Qatar Airways cancels Boeing order; focuses on expanding Airbus fleet

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Qatar Airways cancels Boeing order; focuses on expanding Airbus fleet
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Webp badr al meer
Badr Al-Meer Qatar Airways CEO | Official Website

Qatar Airways has decided to cancel its order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, opting instead to focus on expanding its fleet with Airbus narrowbody planes. This decision comes amidst ongoing certification delays affecting the Boeing 737 MAX 10, which is now not expected to enter commercial service until at least 2026. The airline had originally placed the order in 2022 during the Farnborough Airshow.

Boeing's certification issues have led many airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, to seek alternative solutions due to delivery delays. Qatar Airways' cancellation of the Boeing order coincides with a substantial widebody aircraft deal with Boeing worth over $96 billion, involving commitments for 130 Boeing 787s and 30 Boeing 777Xs.

Qatar Airways CEO Badr Al-Meer stated that the airline's narrowbody fleet will continue to be composed of Airbus aircraft. "However, it doesn't mean that Airbus is out of the game. Our narrowbody [fleet] will continue to be Airbus. We are receiving 50 A321neos starting next year," he said.

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The shift towards Airbus marks a thaw in relations between Qatar Airways and the European manufacturer after previous disputes over paint issues with the Airbus A350 led to legal actions and canceled orders. In early 2023, both parties reached an amicable settlement regarding these disputes.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a limited narrowbody fleet consisting of 27 Airbus A320s and three Boeing 737 MAX 8s. The airline plans to phase out its remaining Boeing narrowbodies as part of its strategy to standardize its fleet.

Looking ahead, speculation suggests that Qatar Airways may also place significant orders for additional widebody aircraft from Airbus, potentially including more A350s or A330-900s as replacements for older models in their fleet.

Boeing continues to face challenges with the delayed certification of its MAX series. United Airlines' Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella expressed concerns about converting existing orders into MAX 10s without certainty on delivery timelines: "In supply chain terms, we want to make sure we get our aircraft so we've committed to the MAX 9."

As Qatar Airways moves forward with its strategic plans, it remains focused on finalizing agreements with both major manufacturers while ensuring a robust fleet capable of serving global routes from its hub at Doha Hamad International Airport.

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