Airlines

Qatar Airways Eyes Substantial Widebody Fleet Expansion with Airbus and Boeing

Two International Flights Almost Collide at 35,000 Feet in Mumbai Airspace

Qatar Airways is gearing up for a monumental expansion of its widebody aircraft fleet, engaging in discussions with industry giants Boeing and Airbus, as revealed by the airline’s CEO Badr Al Meer.

The magnitude of this potential order is staggering, with Al Meer hinting at a figure in the triple digits, although he stopped short of disclosing the exact number.

Reports have surfaced indicating Qatar Airways’ interest in acquiring approximately 200 Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X wide-body jets. This ambitious move underscores the airline’s unwavering commitment to modernizing and expanding its fleet with cutting-edge, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Al Meer clarified that while talks are indeed underway for a substantial order, the reported figure is slightly inflated, hinting at a difference of around 30%.

As part of its expansion strategy, Qatar Airways is also on the verge of sealing a promising deal with an airline in Southern Africa within the next two to three months. Additionally, the airline is actively pursuing opportunities to enhance its network in Australia, signaling its ambitious plans for global connectivity.

The need for new aircraft stems from Qatar Airways’ objective to replace older jets in its fleet while meeting the growing demand for international travel by boosting overall long-haul capacity. The introduction of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft will not only enhance the passenger experience but also ensure that Qatar Airways maintains a cutting-edge widebody fleet capable of meeting evolving market demands.

Airlines

A 17-yr boy was arrested for making a hoax bomb threat, causing multiple flight diversions and delays.

Mumbai police have detained a 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh who allegedly issued bomb threats to multiple international flights via social media. According to the police, the minor made the threats to settle a financial dispute by framing another person.

The incident began on Monday night when a New York-bound Air India flight, originally departing from Mumbai, had to be diverted to New Delhi after receiving a bomb threat. The flight was later rescheduled. That same evening, two other international flights operated by IndiGo, heading to Jeddah and Muscat, also received similar threats, causing delays of several hours.

Emirates Close to Sealing New Freighter Order for A350 and 777X

The investigation revealed that all three threats originated from posts made by the minor from Chhattisgarh, leading to his detention. He was subsequently handed over to the local Juvenile Justice Board. The Mumbai police found that the boy had used the name and picture of another individual, also from Chhattisgarh, to create a fake social media account and issue the threats. The intention, according to the police, was to frame the other person and settle a score over a financial disagreement.

Saudia Plans eVTOL Jets for Mecca and Coastal Destinations

The situation escalated on Tuesday, when a total of seven flights, including one bound for the United States, received similar threats through a social media handle. Security agencies initiated counter-terrorist drills at various airports to ensure safety. Further investigation into the minor’s actions and motivations is ongoing.