Qatar Airways’ Narrowbody Aircraft Fleet

Qatar Airways’ Narrowbody Aircraft Fleet

Qatar Airways, widely recognized for its exceptional onboard service and extensive global sponsorships, operates from its hub at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) to numerous destinations worldwide, including São Paulo, Auckland, and Los Angeles. While the airline is predominantly known for its expansive widebody fleet—highlighted by the flagship Airbus A380 and the acclaimed QSuite business class—it also maintains a significant narrowbody presence that plays a vital role in its regional operations.

The Airbus A320 Fleet

According to the latest data from ch-aviation, Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of 28 Airbus A320 aircraft, with 26 actively in service. Each A320 is configured in a two-class layout, accommodating up to 144 passengers: 12 in business class and 132 in economy. The business class cabin features 12 recliner seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration across three rows, offering a generous 45-inch seat pitch and 21-inch width. Although the airline’s hallmark onboard service is maintained, the business class experience on the A320 differs significantly from the QSuite product available on many of its widebody jets.

Economy class on the A320 consists of 132 seats in a standard 3-3 configuration, each providing a 31-inch pitch and 18-inch width. This arrangement ensures a comfortable journey for passengers on the airline’s regional routes, balancing capacity with passenger comfort.

Regional Operations and Route Network

Qatar Airways primarily deploys its A320 fleet on regional routes from Doha, serving destinations such as Dammam, Erbil, and Sharjah. The longest route operated by the A320 is to Vienna, covering 2,468 miles, while the shortest is to Bahrain, a mere 91 miles away. In May 2025, Sharjah is projected to receive the highest number of A320 flights, with 155 departures in each direction, followed by Abu Dhabi with 119 flights and Bahrain with 87. Other notable destinations served by the A320 include Baghdad, Tehran, Muscat, and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen.

The top routes for Qatar Airways’ A320 operations in May 2025 reflect the airline’s strategic focus on regional connectivity, with the busiest sectors linking Doha to key Gulf and Middle Eastern cities.

Fleet Strategy and Market Dynamics

Qatar Airways’ narrowbody operations exist within the context of the airline’s robust financial performance, having recently reported a record 28% increase in profit. This strong financial footing has been met with positive market responses and has reinforced the carrier’s reputation for strategic fleet management. Notably, Qatar Airways has placed a substantial widebody aircraft order with Boeing, underscoring its commitment to advanced technology and key industry partnerships. This strategic move is likely to prompt competitors in the Gulf region to accelerate their own fleet expansions and profitability initiatives.

As Qatar Airways continues to invest heavily in its widebody fleet, maintaining the competitiveness and efficiency of its narrowbody operations will remain essential. The airline’s ability to balance regional connectivity with its broader global ambitions will be a defining factor in the future development of its narrowbody fleet, ensuring it remains a significant player in both regional and international aviation markets.