Airbus A350 visits Hamad International Airport
The Airbus A350 was officially welcomed at the world’s newest global gateway, Hamad International Airport (HIA), by a select crowd of Qatar Airways staff and other dignitaries today.
Qatar Airways will be the first A350 XWB operator and is also its biggest customer with 80 aircraft on order.
Airbus and Qatar Airways are working closely together to ensure a successful entry-into-service of this all-new aircraft from Day One.
"Qatar Airways is proud to be the launch customer for this new aircraft, and we look forward to soon taking delivery of the first of 80 A350s," Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said.
"At Qatar Airways, we are eager to open a new chapter of efficient and comfortable air travel and the A350 XWB will do this for us. The aircraft will give us that extra edge in economics and comfort to further boost our route expansion,” said Al Baker.
The Airbus A350 will be one of the world’s most fuel efficient airliners, offering state-of-the-art design and comfort.
Qatar Airways has a robust range of Airbus aircraft in its fleet.
In addition to the 80 A350 it has on order, the airline has a current Airbus fleet comprising the A320, A300Freighter, A319LR, A321, A330 and A340 families.
Qatar Airways is also a customer of the A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, and expects to take delivery of its first A380 this spring.
Qatar Airways welcomes Airbus A350 in Doha today pic.twitter.com/L91ZcpLhoP
— Hania Tabet (@haniatabet) February 5, 2014#QatarA350 flying display at Hamad International Airport #Doha pic.twitter.com/WmZSY5Lk2X
— Petra Gelb (@GelbPetra) February 5, 2014
