Qatar Airways is close to making a decision on a significant wide-body aircraft order, potentially splitting the purchase between Boeing and Airbus, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Middle Eastern airline is considering an order of approximately 200 aircraft, with a decision expected by the Farnborough Airshow in the UK late next month.
The individuals, who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions, revealed this information.
Sources indicate that Qatar Airways is eyeing a mix of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X models, though the exact split has not been finalized.
They cautioned that the timing of the deal could also change, and there is no guarantee an agreement will be reached.
Representatives from Qatar Airways, Airbus, and Boeing declined to comment on the matter.
In March, Bloomberg News reported that Qatar Airways was in early talks with the aircraft manufacturers to renew its long-haul fleet.
This potential order follows substantial purchases by regional competitor Emirates, which is also expanding its fleet with additional Boeing 777X aircraft.
Simultaneously, Riyadh Air in Saudi Arabia is striving to establish itself as a new force in the Middle Eastern aviation market. This development places pressure on airlines like Qatar Airways to sustain their growth trajectory and keep their fleets updated.
Currently, Qatar Airways has 74 pending orders for Boeing 777X aircraft and 18 orders for the larger A350-1000 model, according to data from both manufacturers.
A new order from Airbus would mark a significant chapter in the European manufacturer’s relationship with one of its key customers.
This comes in the wake of a protracted legal battle over paint peeling issues on Qatar Airways’ A350 aircraft, a dispute that was settled in early 2023.
