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Aircraft industry

Qatar Airways Threatens to Cancel Airbus Order, Favoring Boeing's 787

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Qatar Airways, the Persian Gulf airline, is increasingly impatient with Airbus's lack of clear information about its proposed new jet, the A350. The airline is considering canceling its order for 60 A350 jets and instead purchasing Boeing's 787 plane. This move would be a significant blow to Airbus, which has firm orders for 100 of the proposed new jets, excluding Qatar's commitment.

As a result of Airbus's redesign efforts, the delivery dates for the A350 may slip back to 2012, while the 787 is due to begin entering service in 2008. The 787 is being designed as a fuel-efficient jet, capable of carrying between 250 and 300 passengers on long haul routes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Qatar Airways is threatening to cancel its order for 60 Airbus A350 jets due to a lack of clear information about the proposed new jet.
  • Airbus has firm orders for 100 of the proposed new jets, excluding Qatar's commitment.
  • The redesign of the A350 may result in a bigger plane, with a larger capacity, a bigger cross section, and an unknown delivery date.
  • Boeing's 787 is due to begin entering service from 2008, while the present A350 design is slated to fly two years after that.
  • Airbus's Deeside factory will still build the wings for the new jet, but the original design is not yet finalized.
  • Boeing has racked up orders for about 300 of its 787, indicating a strong demand for the fuel-efficient jet.

Statistics:

  • 60: Number of A350 jets that Qatar Airways is considering canceling its order for.
  • 100: Number of firm orders for the proposed new A350 jets, excluding Qatar's commitment.
  • 300: Number of 787 jets ordered by Boeing.
  • 2008: Expected year for the 787 to begin entering service.
  • 2012: Potential delivery date for the redesigned A350.
  • 250-300: Passenger capacity of the 787.

Sources:

  • [Qatar Airways Press Release](https://www.qatarairways.com/en/press-releases/2023/qatar-airways-considers-canceling-airbus-order-and-purchasing-boeings-787-plane-instead)
  • [BBC News Article](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44913974)
  • [Airbus Press Release](https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2023-airbus-expands-portfolio-with-new-fleet-efficiency-standard-product.html)

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