News
Qatar Airways replaces 50 A320neo with A321neo
December 8th 2017
Qatar Airways has upgraded its previous order for 50 A320neo aircraft, placed in 2011, to 50 larger A321neo ACF at list prices of US$6.35 billion. Read More » The A321neo will be delivered to the airline from 2019 and will be used to develop the carrier’s its short- and medium-haul network.
Qatar Airways has opted for the ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration) on the A321neo, a modification that includes new door and fuselage enhancements that will better utilise cabin space and provide extra under floor fuel capacity up to the 4,000nm range.
Qatar Airways Group CEO, Akbar Al Baker, said: “At a time when Qatar Airways is experiencing unprecedented growth and expansion the need for efficient, reliable and modern aircraft has never been greater. To answer our need for growth and additional capacity, the A321neo ACF is a world-class choice for our passengers and for our business. Qatar Airways is the fastest growing airline in the world and with this aircraft we will operate the youngest fleet whilst delivering unprecedented comfort and services to our customers.”
Qatar Airways was intended to be the launch customer for the A320neo but rejected delivery of the re-engined jets due to cited Pratt & Whitney (P&W) geared turbofan shortcomings.It remains to be seen if the carrier will switch from the P&W GTF to the competing CFM International LEAP engine for the ordered A321neo.
In June, Qatar Airways firmed up a previous Letter of Intent for 20 B737 MAX 8s, which Al Baker said would replace the airline’s A320ceo fleet. It also has options on 40 MAXs, whose future hinges on the launch of a Qatar subsidiary in India and the fate of Italy’s Merdiana, in which the Doha-based carrier holds 49%.
