Qatar Airways' expansion plans are on target and the airline has achieved a double digit growth inspite of the global economic crisis, Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said.
Speaking at a press conference held on the sidelines of the BITE 2010 exhibition in Bahrain, Al Bakr reinforced the airline's long-term commitment to growth with continued investment in new aircraft, new routes and improving airport infrastructure ahead of next year's opening of the New Doha International Airport.
"We are looking forward with excitement to the month of June, which will see three new routes being added to our network. This will bring our number of routes to over 90 spread across six continents," he said. The airline is also implementing an extensive frequency and capacity upgradation programme.
Meanwhile, the airline's first Boeing 777 freighter will arrive in Qatar today. Supported by the arrival of more than one new aircraft a month, and the opening of a brand new airline-owned airport hotel and new arrivals terminal in Doha, Qatar Airways' expansion is forging ahead with vigour, Al Bakr said.
Qatar Airways is showcasing its award-winning Boeing 777 long-haul Business Class seat at BITE, as well as promoting its new routes for 2010.
The airline currently operates a modern fleet of 82 aircraft. The fleet size is set to rise to 120 aircraft by 2013 and destinations served increase to 120 over the next three years. The airline has orders for more than 200 aircraft pending delivery worth over $40 billion.
Al Baker said the airline will not keep in service aircraft which are more than five years old in service. Such aircraft will be transferred to a leasing company, he concluded.