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10 Interesting facts about Qatar Airways : Jetline Marvel

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.

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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.

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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™.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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5. Qatar has its own many subsidiary company in its umbrella. 

Qatar Airways has many divisions including:

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  • 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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

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  • 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.

Aviation

Japan to Construct Second Passenger Jet Following First’s Setback

Japan to build the 2nd passngers jet after its first one has got failure

The Japanese government is set to collaborate with a private firm to construct a new passenger jet, a project expected to require approximately USD 33 billion. The anticipated outcome of this endeavor could materialize by 2035, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions and establish a new standard in eco-friendly aviation.

Japan is strategically focused on developing its passenger aircraft to compete globally, following a previous unsuccessful attempt with the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, which failed to gain approval from the FAA and other aviation authorities. After years of research, the decision was made to innovate by revamping the aircraft and introducing a unique hydrogen-powered engine concept.

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While concrete plans are yet to be finalized, discussions revolve around various propulsion technologies, including hybrid electric systems and hydrogen combustion or fuel cell technologies. Notably, hydrogen emerges as a prominent contender, with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) emphasizing the importance of leveraging Japan’s competitive advantage in technological innovation to drive the decarbonization of air transport.

Video: The First MRJ regional Plane from Japan is scrapped in United States

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Numerous aerospace companies are already pioneering hydrogen-powered electric aircraft as a promising solution to combat carbon emissions. Companies such as ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen are at the forefront, with projects ranging from small regional planes to larger passenger aircraft, reflecting a concerted effort towards sustainable aviation.

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In parallel, collaborations between budget airlines like EasyJet, engine manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, and industry giants like Airbus underscore the collective commitment towards developing hydrogen-powered aircraft. Airbus, for instance, aims to introduce hydrogen-powered planes into commercial service by 2035.

Despite setbacks like the failed SpaceJet aircraft program, which incurred substantial costs without achieving liftoff, Japan remains undeterred. The country’s new aircraft venture indirectly challenges competitors like China’s COMAC C919, signaling Japan’s determination to carve out a significant presence in the aerospace industry.

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Additionally, Japan’s collaboration with Britain and Italy in developing a sixth-generation fighter jet highlights its pursuit of cutting-edge aviation technology. This advanced fighter jet, featuring Rolls-Royce engines, laser targeting systems, and three-dimensional thrust vectoring engine nozzles, represents a leap forward in military aviation capabilities.

Under an MOU agreement, Japan retains the option to export these fighter jets to allied nations, potentially reshaping the global landscape of military aircraft manufacturing and distribution. With these ambitious projects, Japan aims to assert itself as a leader in both commercial and military aviation, pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector.

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Aviation

Emirates denies report of near-miss air collision with Ethiopian Airlines

Emirates denies report of near-miss air collision with Ethiopian Airlines

Emirates has firmly refuted social media reports suggesting a near-miss air collision with an Ethiopian Airlines flight, asserting that there was no compromise to aircraft safety during the specified time and airspace.

In a statement issued by an Emirates spokesperson, it was emphasized that all Emirates aircraft are equipped with capabilities to ensure safe separation and distance during operations.

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The controversy arose when Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Authority initially attributed the incident to conflicting instructions from Mogadishu Control, alleging that Emirates flight UAE722 and Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH690, both cruising at 37,000 feet, were on a collision course. However, Emirates has rebutted these claims, maintaining that their aircraft were never in jeopardy.

According to the incident report released by Somaliland authorities, the potential collision occurred on Sunday, March 24, 2024, around 12:43 East Africa Time. The report detailed how conflicting instructions from Mogadishu Control led to the convergence of the two flights.

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Swift action by Somaliland’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) averted disaster, as the pilots of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX promptly ascended to 39,000 feet, creating a safe distance between the two aircraft. Somaliland’s ATC, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Airlines crew, played a crucial role in preventing a potential catastrophe.

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Aviation

HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.

Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.

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The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.

The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.

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Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.

The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.

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With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.

However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.

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Aerospace

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.

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The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.

The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.

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As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.

Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.

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With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.

The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.

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