A300Man-2005
20th Jul 2005, 04:27
QR is to delay the delivery of the A380 until "at least" 2010. The reason given was the state of readiness of the new Doha International Airport, which is scheduled to open in 2008 / 2009.
However, sources would suggest that the recent orders placed by the airline (for Airbus A340-500, A340-600HGW, A350-800, A350-900, Boeing 747-400F, Bombardier Global Express, Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 777-300ER) over and above it's orders for the Airbus A380, would mean that the fleet diversity will become too complex, and the integration of too many new types within such a short period of time (5-7 years) will be very difficult for the carrier, with the present infrastructure.
QR is presently undergoing a major internal review of its infrastructure and operations. I would not be surprised if there are further announcements shortly regarding the deferring of deliveries of some of the other types listed above.
Let's face it - none of us is surprised by the A380 further delay. I personally wouldn't be too surprised if the airline quietly cancels it. On the other hand, Airbus will be heaving a sigh of relief that, unlike other carriers such as QF and VS who are unhappy about the A380 program delays, QR is actually happy to slow theirs down.
However, sources would suggest that the recent orders placed by the airline (for Airbus A340-500, A340-600HGW, A350-800, A350-900, Boeing 747-400F, Bombardier Global Express, Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 777-300ER) over and above it's orders for the Airbus A380, would mean that the fleet diversity will become too complex, and the integration of too many new types within such a short period of time (5-7 years) will be very difficult for the carrier, with the present infrastructure.
QR is presently undergoing a major internal review of its infrastructure and operations. I would not be surprised if there are further announcements shortly regarding the deferring of deliveries of some of the other types listed above.
Let's face it - none of us is surprised by the A380 further delay. I personally wouldn't be too surprised if the airline quietly cancels it. On the other hand, Airbus will be heaving a sigh of relief that, unlike other carriers such as QF and VS who are unhappy about the A380 program delays, QR is actually happy to slow theirs down.