Acrobats perform at the welcome ceremony for Qatar Airways’ first A380 super-jumbo.

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

 

Qatar Airways will have to wait and observe how the A380 performs before placing additional orders, the airline’s Group chief executive, Akbar al-Baker, has said.

Speaking at a press conference after the arrival of the national carrier’s first super-jumbo yesterday, al-Baker noted that they have at least 13 A380s on order (10 firm and three options).

“We have heard that the aircraft has extra fuel consumption than what was stated in the past, there were issues with the capacity in the airplane vis-a-vis the cargo and the rest,”
he explained.

“With all the modifications to the performance, the wing and the aerodynamics of the airplane, and if this airplane exceeds its performance than what we expect, then yes, Qatar Airways will have appetite for additional orders of the A380,” he stressed.

Qatar Airways’ A380 was supposed to be delivered two years ago. Reportedly, the aircraft had cracks on the wings. Al-Baker said Qatar Airways refused to take delivery of the super-jumbo “unless the modifications to the wing had been done”.

Now, the new plane has wings with all the modifications that were required. “When you fly in Qatar Airways, you are sure that there will be no cracks,” said the chief executive, in a lighter vein.

About competition, al-Baker explained that Qatar Airways does not compete in prices but in the quality of service it provides to people.

He said they have prices that are affordable to people: to those who book early, who book later and for people who book at the last moment like any other international airline.

He urged passengers to take advantage of the airline’s promotions, such as the recent 25% discount on any route.

 

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