Aviation
10 Interesting facts about Qatar Airways : Jetline Marvel
1. The world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas.
On October 12, 2009, a Qatar Airways Airbus A340-600 conducted the world’s first commercial passenger flight using a mixture of kerosene and synthetic gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuel, produced from natural gas, on its flight from London’s Gatwick Airport to Doha.
A Qatar Airways aircraft completed the world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas.
The historic journey from London Gatwick to Doha took over six hours and was operated with an Airbus A340-600 aircraft using Rolls-Royce Trent 556 engines.
2. In May 2017, Qatar Airways became FIFA Partner and 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups official sponsor.
After the end of Emirates contract with FIFA, Qatar Airways was announced that it has an Official Partner and the Official Airline of FIFA as part of a sponsorship package lasting until 2022. Upcoming events sponsored by Qatar Airways will include the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.
As an Official Partner of FIFA, Qatar Airways will have extensive marketing and branding rights at the next two FIFA World Cups, with an expected audience reach of more than two billion people per tournament. It will also have visibility at competitions such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the FIFA Futsal World Cup and the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the world’s largest online gaming tournament.
3. Qatar Airways has an oryx, the national animal of the State of Qatar, as its logo.
Everybody has seen the purple Oryx on Qatar Airways fin. The national animal of Qatar was completely extinct from the wild in 1972 but was reintroduced to the wild starting in 1982. Initially two herds were used to reintroduce the Oryx back. One from a Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona and another one from a “private collection” in Saudi Arabia.
The programme kicked off in Oman and then was further extended to the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. After 25 years the Oryx has spread across the Arabian Peninsula and is only listed as “Vulnerable”, which has to be considered as a big success.
4. As of May 2014, the company is fully owned by the Qatari government.
Qatar Airways, one of the Gulf’s “big three” carriers, has become fully state-owned after the nation’s sovereign wealth fund bought out private shareholders.
The Qatar Investment Authority has bought the stakes owned by its former Prime Minister and other shareholders, CEO Akbar Al Baker said.
The purchase took place last July, but has only recently been revealed. It is understood that 50% of the airline was formerly in private hands. The cost of the deal was not announced.
5. Qatar has its own many subsidiary company in its umbrella.
Qatar Airways has many divisions including:
- Qatar Aircraft Catering Company
- Doha International Airport
- Qatar Airways Holidays
- United Media Int
- Qatar Duty Free
- Qatar Aviation Services
- Qatar Distribution Company
- Qatar Executive (private jet).
6. Qatar Airways has ordered 37 A350-1000s.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, welcomed the arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft to Qatar, as part of a special Demonstration Tour by Airbus. The visit was the first stop by the advanced aircraft to 12 destinations throughout the Middle East and Asia Pacific, designed to showcase the aircraft’s exclusive features to airlines and passengers. The arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft comes just a month before Qatar Airways will become the global launch customer for the world’s very first A350-1000.
7. Qatar has one of the World’s Largest Business Lounge at Doha.
After commencing full operations at its new hub, Doha in 2014, Al Mourjan Business Lounge for Qatar Airways’ Premium passengers opened in July 2014. Al Mourjan Business Lounge is about 10 times the size of an Olympic size swimming pool and the Lounge access is for Qatar Airways and one-world first and business class passengers only.
Two-and-a-half acres in all, Al Mourjan consists of many individual spaces, all comfortable and pleasant to look at.
Qatar Airways says that entry into the Al Mourjan lounge is reserved for its own, as well as Oneworld alliance, First Class and Business Class passengers, while Qatar Airways Economy Class passengers can purchase lounge access for 450 Qatari riyals, or about $120 US.
8. Qatar has the world’s longest flight from Doha to Auckland it cross 10-time zones
The daily service from Doha to Auckland which is due to take off on December 3rd, 2016, is going to be the longest flight on earth. The distance between Qatar’s capital and the biggest city in New Zealand is 14,536 kilometres. The flight attendants are going to announce an estimated flight time of 18 hours and 30 minutes.
Not many aircrafts are able to perform such ultra-long flights and the only suitable candidate is the 777-200LR. Take a guess what the “LR” stands for? Yes, you are right! It stands for “Longer Range”. The big difference are the additional fuel tanks, lighter landing gear and raked wingtips.
9. Qatar Airways has formally joined Oneworld, becoming the first of the major Gulf carriers to join one of the global alliances.
The Doha-based carrier joins after just a one-year accession period and becomes the alliance’s 13th member. It is the second Middle Eastern member of Oneworld, alongside Royal Jordanian Airlines.
“We are convinced the time is right clearly right…and Oneworld is clearly the best alliance,” said Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker during a joining ceremony at Doha’s new Hamad International airport on 29 October.
10. Qatar airways has one of the mixed largest fleet in the world and Qatar Executive is the largest G650ER operator in the world.
Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the State of Qatar. Currently undergoing rapid expansion, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world.
Current Fleets Passenger and Cargo both handling 212 aircraft which includes
- 39 Airbus A320s
- 23 Airbus A350-900s (2 leased LATAM aircraft)
- 30 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- 40 B777-300ERs
Corporate Jet Subsidiary Qatar Executive (12 aircraft)
And fleet on order includes-
- 100 Boeing 777Xs (including options)
- 8 Boeing 777-300ER
- 55 Airbus A350s
- 30 Boeing 787s
- 3 Boeing 777F
- 80 Airbus A320neo Family (including options)
- 1 Airbus A380
- 8 Airbus A330 Freighter options
- 60 Boeing 737 MAX
- 8 (20 firm and 40 options) and
- 30 Gulfstream G500 and G600 aircraft and the flagship G650ER.
Airlines
India’s newest airline FLY91 starts commercial operations with maiden flight
FLY91, the latest addition to India’s vibrant aviation landscape, marked a significant milestone on Monday as it commenced its commercial services.
The inaugural flight of the airline embarked from Goa’s Manohar International Airport at 07:55 am, embarking on its maiden journey to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. In a remarkable debut, FLY91 also successfully operated its first route to Sindhudurg from Bengaluru on the same day.
Expressing pride and enthusiasm, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FLY91, stated, “We at FLY91 are incredibly proud to launch our inaugural commercial flight. This is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about taking flight with the dreams and aspirations of a nation.”
To mark the occasion and extend a warm welcome to passengers, FLY91 introduced a special inaugural fare of Rs 1,991 (inclusive of all charges). This exclusive offer will be applicable to all flights across FLY91‘s operational sectors, highlighting the airline’s commitment to providing affordable travel options.
FLY91’s initial operations will focus on key routes connecting Goa, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Sindhudurg, with plans to expand its network to include Agatti, Jalgaon, and Pune by April. The airline will operate flights between Goa and Bengaluru on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, along with a similar frequency of flights between Bengaluru and Sindhudurg. Additionally, FLY91 will facilitate connectivity between Goa and Hyderabad, as well as between Sindhudurg and Hyderabad, with flights scheduled twice a week.
With an eye toward expansion and enhancing connectivity, FLY91 has commenced operations with two ATR 72-600 aircraft, with plans to add four more aircraft in the coming months. This strategic fleet expansion will enable the airline to establish a robust pan-India presence, focused on five key zones across the country.
Aviation
Qatar Airways to Introduce “Private Jet-Inspired” First Class on B777
In a bold move to redefine luxury air travel, Qatar Airways has announced plans to introduce a groundbreaking First Class cabin experience on its fleet of Boeing 777-9 aircraft.
The airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, revealed in an exclusive interview with CNBC that these new cabins will offer passengers a “private jet-like” experience, setting a new standard in commercial aviation.
Al-Meer emphasized innovation as the cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ strategy for the future, reflecting the airline’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exceeding customer expectations. With the demand for First Class travel on the rise, Qatar Airways aims to meet this demand head-on by developing a bespoke First Class cabin that leverages the airline’s expertise in both commercial and executive jet travel.
Drawing inspiration from its successful Qsuite Business Class, which revolutionized the industry upon its launch, Qatar Airways plans to debut a redesigned premium Qsuite at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024.boeing 777 vs airbus a350 This redesigned Qsuite will set the stage for the forthcoming First Class cabins, promising passengers an unparalleled level of comfort and luxury.
The new First Class cabins, set to be introduced on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-9 best narrow body aircraft fleet starting from the end of 2025, will embody the pinnacle of commercial air travel. With private suites designed to evoke the exclusivity and refinement of flying on a private jet, passengers can expect an extraordinary journey characterized by unmatched comfort and personalized service.
The CEO of Qatar Airways, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said in an interview with CNBC, “We will utilise our knowledge and our expertise from having a private jet company.” We want to combine our experience flying private jets and commercial aircraft to create something new, and I don’t think anyone can construct a first class cabin better than us for that reason.
Al Meer told CNBC, “Hopefully, we will be able to announce it very soon. We are 70% and 80% ready, and we are just finalising colours and final touches.”
Aviation
Saudi Arabia’s National Airline Saudia Could Fall Under PIF Ownership
According to the report, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, the country’s sovereign wealth fund, is reportedly in talks to buy the national airline Saudia.
An important milestone for one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East, this prospective transfer of ownership would also apply to other businesses owned by Saudia, including as its low-cost subsidiary Flyadeal. The action is considered a component of a larger plan to strengthen the PIF’s aviation portfolio by the beginning of 2025, which might improve Saudia’s financial results and operational effectiveness.
There have also been proposals that the airline might be privatized or combined with Riyadh Air, which is already controlled by the PIF. Saudia now has a sizable fleet of over 142 aircraft and serves more than 90 locations worldwide, while the exact value of the deal is still unknown.
However, sources caution that the plan may encounter delays or even be abandoned altogether. The establishment of Riyadh Air is consistent with the PIF’s larger goal of utilizing important industries to promote Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. Based on projections, it is possible that Riyadh Air will generate billions of dollars in value and hundreds of thousands of jobs, making it a major contributor to the kingdom’s non-oil GDP.
Recently, The UK-based construction company Mace has been selected as the delivery partner for King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in riyadh. When KSIA opens in 2030, it will be the largest airport in the world, marking a significant milestone for the aviation industry.
By 2030, the airport is forecasted to facilitate a substantial increase in annual passenger traffic, skyrocketing from 29 million to a staggering 120 million travelers. Moreover, aircraft traffic within the kingdom is anticipated to surge from 211,000 to over 1 million flights per year following the airport’s inauguration.
Aerospace
Korean Air to open Asia’s largest aircraft engine MRO cluster
Korean Air has started building an aircraft engine maintenance cluster at Incheon International Airport in Unbuk. The facility is expected to be operational by 2027.
This new complex, which will be the biggest of its kind in Asia, will strengthen the airline’s capacity to maintain aircraft engines and secure its place in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry.
Over 140,000 square metres are divided into seven levels of the new engine maintenance facility. The 578 billion won facility is being built by Kolon Global, and it will be positioned next to the Engine Test Cell (ETC) that the airline has been using since 2016.
Engine maintenance was traditionally handled by Korean Air at its Bucheon facility, with additional final performance testing conducted at the ETC in Unbuk. By centralised all stages of engine maintenance at one location, the engine maintenance cluster will strategically consolidate and streamline this process, improving operational efficiency.
Additionally, Korean Air plans to greatly improve its capacity to service aircraft engines, increasing from 100 to 360 each year, and servicing a wider range of engine types. Six engine models are now overhauled by the airline: General Electric’s GE90-115B, CFM International’s CFM56, and Pratt & Whitney’s PW4000 and GTF.
Three additional engine models, including GE’s GEnx and CFMI’s LEAP-1B, are being added to the lineup as part of the expansion. Additionally, the prospect of maintaining Asiana Airlines’ engines—including the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB powering the Airbus A350—is being investigated by the carrier. In order to increase the competitiveness of the domestic aircraft MRO business and lessen reliance on foreign maintenance services, the new maintenance cluster is anticipated to create over 1,000 new jobs.