Qatar Airways will phase out its four A340-600s earlier then scheduled as it takes deliveries of its new 777s, CEO Akbar Al Baker said last week in Seattle as the carrier took its first 777-300ER. He also confirmed that QR will not exercise its six A340-600 options. It took its first -600 in September 2006.
Separately, QR will establish a leasing company called Oryx Leasing that will aim to place the carrier's older aircraft. It will start by the middle of next year with six A300-600s and eventually will handle the A340-600s.
QR also is evaluating extending its short-haul network and is considering a regional jet order. It is looking at Bombardier's proposed CSeries, Embraer's E-Jets and the new Mitsubishi Regional Jet offering. Al Baker previously told this website that he sees many possibilities for new routes from Doha to smaller destinations in places like Saudi Arabia and Africa.
by Kurt Hofmann
ATWOnline