Qatar gets the 800th A330/A340 aircraft

[Andrew Ong 1]

News from Airbus:

 

Airbus delivers the 800th A330/A340 Family aircraft and increases further production

14 March 2007

 

Wednesday March 14th, 2007 marked an important milestone for Airbus' A330/A340 family of aircraft when the 800th model of the Family was delivered to Qatar Airways.

 

The A330-200 long range jetliner was delivered to Qatar Airways in a brief ceremony at Airbus' Toulouse delivery centre. The delivery highlights Airbus' dominance in the A330/A340 family aircraft segment with more than 1,080 aircraft ordered and 280 still to be delivered. Production rates are currently seven aircraft per month and this is due to increase to eight per month by the beginning of 2008 and nine per month by the middle of 2009.

 

"The A330 and A340 aircraft family is the core of our fleet and our network development. This delivery is the sign of our long-standing partnership with Airbus which has grown from strength to strength," said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

 

This delivery marked a milestone in the long time relationship between Airbus and Qatar Airways, which operates a fleet of 52 Airbus including 29 A330/A340 passenger aircraft.

 

"The A330/A340 family of aircraft continues to achieve tremendous success. The aircraft family is the first to break the 1000 order mark from more than 85 operators in this market segment. The continued success of this family of aircraft in the market place leads us to increase production rates. With customers continued support like that of Qatar Airways this aircraft family reaffirms that our product continues to be a world beater", said John Leahy, Airbus C.O.O. customers.

 

The A330/A340 is a unique family of five aircraft models in operation in the 250 to 375 seats category. The family combines high levels of passenger comfort as well as operational efficiency. They can be operated on regional as well as ultra long haul routes.

 

All A330 and A340 family aircraft benefit from Airbus' unique cockpit and operational commonality. The aircraft share the same cockpit philosophy which helps shorten training times for flight crews transitioning from one Airbus aircraft to another, streamlined maintenance procedures and reduced spare parts holdings.

 

Airbus is an EADS company.

[Woei Shen 0]

Hmm I'm actually thinking of taking the A332 from Gatwick this summer, hopefully i'll get a new plane.