Qatar Airways’ $10.6 billion order for 60 Airbus A350s is as firm as it can get. “When we make an announcement like this, we don’t need a Plan B,” says Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker. The airline evaluated the A350 and Boeing 787, and the decision was tipped by “slightly more advantageous commercial terms” and commonality with the A330, he said here on Monday. Qatar also announced an order for 20 Boeing 777s, all of the latest higher-weight models. However, neither deal involves a trade-in.
“I can get a better deal if I sell the aircraft myself,” says al-Baker.
