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Qatar Furthers Its Business Aircraft Collection
Today Qatar Airways announced its order of a Bombardier Challenger
300 super mid-size business jet. The airplane will become a member
of the first on-demand charter service run by a major airline. The
airline and manufacturer may release the value of this order at
a later date.
Qatar announced two firm orders and two options with Bombardier
for the Global Express ultra long-range aircraft at the 2003 Dubai
Air Show, an order valued at US$90 million. They are currently operating
one Global Express and are to receive the second in March 2005.
The Amiri Flight Division of Qatar, which is based at Doha International
Airport, operates the fleet of business aircraft. CEO Akbar Al Baker
feels that the success of the Amiri Flight Division shows the growth
of business aviation as Middle-East businesses gain access to Europe.
Bombardier hopes that Qatar's orders will set a precedent for other
airlines to start VIP on-demand charter services. Peter Edwards,
president of Bombardier, said that they were currently discussing
the idea of large business jets with other airlines.
—Evan Sweetman
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Quo Boeing Plays It Safe
It seems as though Boeing's tactic of not sharing the names
of airlines interested in the 7E7 is failing. While they have
merely said there are a number of interested customers they
are talking to and nothing more, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al
Baker has shared the news that his airline is in talks with
Boeing about the 7E7. He said that the 15-20% fuel economy,
long range and low-cost seats are all of interest to him and
his company.
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