Airlines

Qatar Airways Eyes Substantial Widebody Fleet Expansion with Airbus and Boeing

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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

Qatar Citizens Can Travel to the United States Without a Visa

In a significant development for international travel, Qatar has become the second Muslim-majority country to gain admission into the United States’ Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Announced on Wednesday by the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security, this achievement allows Qatari citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes without the need for a visa, effective no later than December 1, 2024.

The decision to admit Qatar into the VWP is based on the nation meeting strict eligibility criteria, which include maintaining a low visa refusal rate, minimizing visa overstays, and ensuring reciprocal visa-free access for American travelers.

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Currently, U.S. citizens can visit qatar for up to 30 days without a visa, and this will be expanded to 90 days starting October 1, 2024, for Americans who meet specific requirements, including having a valid passport and confirmed hotel booking.

The VWP is designed to enhance security partnerships between the U.S. and participating countries. To qualify, nations must fulfill rigorous standards concerning counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management.

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Specifically, a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate must be below 3%, secure travel documents must be issued, and reciprocal entry privileges must be extended to all U.S. citizens regardless of their national origin, religion, ethnicity, or gender. qatar air line has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to these standards by collaborating with the U.S. on information sharing regarding terrorism and serious crimes.

Qatari travelers will apply for travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) via an online application or mobile app, which will soon be updated to include Qatar. These travel authorizations are typically valid for two years. Meanwhile, those with existing B-1/B-2 visas can continue to use them for travel to the U.S.