PARIS: Qatar Airways signs $1.9bn narrowbody Airbus deal

Qatar Airways has placed an order from European manufacturer Airbus for 20 A320s and firmed up its four A321 order from last year in a deal worth $1.9billion at list prices.

The carrier expects to deliveries to start in November this year and will run until the end of 2012.

The airline has announced that IAE is to power its Airbus ordered with the V2500 SelectOne engine in a separate deal worth some $700million.

Speaking at the Paris Airshow Qatar Airways chief Akbar Al Baker said: “The additional Airbus A320s and A321s give Qatar Airways a firm footing in the rapid development and expansion of our regional network.

“Qatar Airways is determined to grow with the world’s best aircraft at the heart of a modern and fuel efficient fleet, and this A320 family order will ensure that our narrow-body fleet is the youngest and best equipped in the region.

“With a larger mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft in our fleet, this gives us even greater flexibility in our commercial operations, allowing us to deploy aircraft on specific routes depending on market conditions.”