Qatar Airways - Details and Fleet History

Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the emirate of Qatar. It is one of only five airlines that received a five-star rating by Skytrax. Their fleet contains more than 50 modern Airbuses with an average age of 5.4 years. Around 75 destinations are reached. Qatar’s main hub is Doha International Airport.

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Qatar Airways was founded on November 22, 1993, when the reigning family wanted an own national airline for the emirate of Qatar. The first flight was inaugurated on January 20, 1994.

Originally, the airline used a leased Boeing 737-200, two Airbus A310s followed, which proved to be too large. Those planes mainly served destinations in the Middle East.

The company also acquired two used Boeing 727s and two Boeing 747SRs, which were used to reach London Gatwick, Male, Colombo and Bangkok.

The airline remained unproductive and created only losses, so in 1997 a new management was established in order to make Qatar Airways an airline following the successful example of Emirates.

A new livery was created and an Airbus-only policy introduced. The old and ineffective aircraft were sold, new Airbuses bought (for long-haul flights A300s, for short-haul A320s).

From that point on the airline expanded rapidly, even after 9/11. Destinations throughout Asia, Africa and Europe were added.

In 2002, the A330 was introduced to the Qatar fleet; in 2006 the airline became launch customer for the ultra long-haul aircraft A340-600HGW, which led to new routes reaching Australia, South Africa and Singapore. At the same time, a new livery was introduced.

Furthermore, two A380 have been ordered. They are due for delivery in 2009. Other orders include the first Boeings in Qatar’s fleet, 20 777s, and 80 Airbus A350XWBs.

In March 2007, Qatar won the right to fly to Melbourne daily, but an Australian airline must be allowed to fly to Doha daily in exchange.

Qatar Airways is one of only five airlines that received a five-star rating by Skytrax. Their fleet contains more than 50 Airbuses with an average age of 5.4 years. Around 75 destinations are reached.

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