Qatar Airways Returns to Airbus for Short-Haul Fleet

Qatar Airways Returns to Airbus for Short-Haul Fleet

Qatar Airways, established in 1994, has evolved into one of the world’s most prominent airlines, celebrated for its award-winning service and expansive global network. Operating a fleet of 230 widebody and narrowbody aircraft from its Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) hub, the carrier serves approximately 200 destinations worldwide.

Cancellation of Boeing 737 MAX 10 Order and Renewed Airbus Commitment

In a notable strategic shift, Qatar Airways has cancelled its order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, reaffirming its commitment to Airbus for its narrowbody fleet. This decision followed a highly competitive evaluation between Boeing and Airbus, with CEO Badr Al-Meer describing the choice as a “very, very close call.” The primary factor influencing the cancellation was the ongoing certification delays affecting the 737 MAX 10, which is now not expected to enter commercial service until at least 2026.

The original Boeing order, announced at the 2022 Farnborough Airshow, was intended to strengthen Qatar Airways’ regional network. However, persistent regulatory and certification challenges have compelled several major airlines, including United, American, and Delta, to reconsider their short-haul fleet strategies. Qatar Airways’ cancellation coincides with a substantial widebody commitment to Boeing, having recently placed an order for 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777X aircraft in a deal valued at over $96 billion.

Implications for Qatar Airways’ Narrowbody Fleet and Future Plans

With the Boeing order withdrawn, Qatar Airways currently maintains a relatively limited narrowbody fleet. The airline already has 50 Airbus A321neos on order, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2026. Industry analysts anticipate that Qatar Airways will likely expand its Airbus narrowbody orders to address the existing fleet gap and support its regional and short-haul operations.

CEO Badr Al-Meer emphasized the airline’s continued reliance on Airbus for its narrowbody fleet, stating, “Our narrowbody [fleet] will continue to be Airbus. We are receiving 50 A321neos starting next year. So our whole narrowbody fleet will be basically operated by Airbus. We continue to receive A350-1000s, and there will always be a chance for another order from Airbus.”

This strategic pivot presents operational challenges, including managing supply chain logistics and integrating new aircraft into the existing fleet. Furthermore, the decision is expected to influence competitive dynamics within the Middle Eastern aviation market, potentially prompting rival carriers to reassess their own fleet strategies.

Qatar Airways’ renewed focus on Airbus for its short-haul fleet underscores the evolving landscape of the global aviation industry and highlights the complexities faced by both manufacturers and airlines amid ongoing regulatory and market pressures.