Qatar Airways updates fleet composition with new orders and phased retirements

Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker commented in 2021: "One of Qatar Airways’ greatest assets is our highly flexible fleet of diverse aircraft. This means we are not dependent on a specific aircraft type, and enables us to balance our commercial needs."

The airline’s Boeing widebody operations focus on two main families: the 777 and the 787 Dreamliner series. The current fleet includes seven Boeing 777-200LRs, 28 Boeing 777-200F freighters, and 57 Boeing 777-300ERs. These aircraft range in average age from just over eight years for cargo variants to nearly sixteen years for some passenger models.

For its Dreamliner fleet, Qatar Airways has chosen to operate primarily smaller versions, with 32 Boeing 787-8s and 24 Boeing 787-9s. These planes differ significantly in average age; the older -8 variant averages more than eleven years old while the newer -9 averages under four years old. The carrier has placed further orders for another 61 Boeing 787-9s and plans to introduce up to 75 larger Boeing 787-10s.

Looking ahead, Qatar Airways is preparing for new additions from Boeing’s next-generation line-up. It has ordered a total of 34 cargo-configured Boeing 777-8F jets and up to ninety passenger-oriented Boeing 777-9 aircraft.

In terms of narrowbody operations, Qatar Airways’ relationship with the Boeing 737 MAX family remains uncertain. Data shows that while seven MAX 8 aircraft are registered with the airline, none are currently active. In May this year, Qatar Airways canceled its order for the MAX 10 model.

This shift leaves Airbus as the primary supplier for narrowbody jets at Qatar Airways. The airline currently operates twenty-seven Airbus A320-200 jets averaging more than thirteen years old; seating arrangements vary slightly depending on configuration but all feature business class sections alongside economy seats.

Additionally, two inactive Airbus A321neos are listed as part of Qatar’s current fleet; eventually three will be used on select short-haul routes in high-density configurations. The carrier also holds orders for forty-eight standard version A321neo aircraft.

Qatar Airways’ evolving fleet strategy highlights its continued focus on flexibility and adaptation amid changing market conditions.