Questions about Qatar 787 Ramp Up

[Iver]

Can anyone update us on the "expected" ramp-up of 787s at Qatar Airways?

The last estimate I saw was first delivery in Q1 2012. Still true? I realise this is dependent upon Boeing as well. Any further estimates on delivery rate - how many "expected" in 2012 and 2013? Any initial 787 routes named?

At what point would QR start to hire onto the 787? Have pilots already begun training for it? I had heard that a 787 sim was already being prepared in Doha.

Cheers for any updates. I guess we should assume that any previous schedule is questionable with Boeing delays likely.

[Hajj Man]

Why are you asking all these questions? you seem to know more than the rest of us.

HM

[Large fries]

Delays on all 787 deliveries, those with GE engines (as is Qatar order) particularly long delays, Qatar's first 787 is no LN61, my guess would be late 2012

[qvintus53]

Arabian Aerospace - Qatar Airways looks forward to first Dreamliner delivery in June 2012

[Strangeways Southpaw]

The first aircraft is supposed to land in Doha on June 12th.
There will be a post delivery modification carried out between the delivery from Boeing and the arrival in Doha.

[Large fries]

The press statement states that they will "most probably" be first to fly 787 into Europe, ANA who have 2 787 with delivery imminent on at least 3 more have already given flight schedule for Japan-Frankfurt starting on January 21st.

[hotline330]

New Technology

QR management is still can't believe in their FD crew to fly the A330-340 and B777, so I am still wondering WHO IS GOING TO FLY IT?

THE A/C is coming in June for a total of 4 in 2012 then 8 every year.



Fly Safe,

[TURIN]

It's all gone very quiet.

Any news?

[vuelomd]

787

First aircraft expected in the property by June 2012. After that, 12 more expected to join through 2012. Initially they will be deployed in the Gulf until some operational experienced obtained, then will be assigned to the LHR route, five roundtrips a day, so they will deploy five airplanes just on that route.

[FlyingEagle21]

First aircraft expected in the property by June 2012. After that, 12 more expected to join through 2012. Initially they will be deployed in the Gulf until some operational experienced obtained, then will be assigned to the LHR route, five roundtrips a day, so they will deploy five airplanes just on that route.

So QR will withdraw their 77W and A346 from LHR and replace them with 787s. Surely reducing capacity? I heard QR will be deploying their A380s on the LHR route once they get them. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[TURIN]

Thanks for that. So it won't be coming to MAN anytime soon then?

[Iver]

Understanding the first birds won't arrive until June/July, how soon might we expect to see hiring onto the 787 at QR? By latter summer or early fall? What is the earliest that they might look externally to fill right seats?

Or, will "eligible" A320, A330 pilots (i.e., no training bond obligation on that fleet) get first dibs and bid it before externals get a chance? What is the most likely scenario? Take internal or hire external pilots (with some internals) as the first 5-10 aircraft arrive?

[gdukkoq]

12 ? Where did you read that ? I Heard 5 in 2012 coming starting in june.

[THR MCT]

Latest News B787 at Qr
5 A/C from Jun 2012
8 every year till total of 30
Crewing mainly external PILOT, new joiners, ab initios from flying clubs
the first 3 A/C from the B777 TRI, TRE.

Fly high and fast and stay safe all the time

Tm

[A300Man]

First flights will be to DXB and RUH.

[gdukkoq]

First 3 filled only by TRI/E or with also some unqualified FO?

[Iver]

Would certainly be interesting to get hired onto the 787 at QR (lucky timing for a newhire I guess). Sure, not many 787s flying and you could argue not good for job security as a newhire. Then again, it sounds like a "career" airplane in terms of technology and everything you fly after the 787 (i.e., back to the A320 or maybe to a 737-800 at another airline) would be a technological step backwards... Even the 777 cockpit looks dated in comparison - I presume it pays better than the 787 at QR.

Photos: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

I would think that the A320 pilots at QR would be clammering to fly the 787 given the crazy/exhuasting rosters they have (note previous roster thread for examples). Is that not the case? Why would an A320 FO at QR who has the ability to move from that fleet not bid/request the 787? Are pilots able to bid other fleet types or are they assigned based on more subjective criteria (i.e., kissing a$$)? How does that fleet bidding work?

At least you could get some decent layovers in London on the 787 once the regional flying (crew training) on the 787 is completed. If not, I guess QR should be a place you apply to if you are really motivated to someday fly the 787 - you might get hired onto it!

[spearomic]

I'm starting in may, and I was suppose to be on the 320, now they tell me that they will advise for the fleet, every time I ask, they say stby for fleet... hoping to land on the 787... but i'm still very pleased with any type

[Iver]

Perhaps applicants with Boeing widebody experience (757/767) will have a leg-up on open 787 slots? You never know...

Still, I do not understand why internal A320 FOs who have the experience/seniority wouldn't get first dibs - especially if so many external A320-rated pilots are being hired now - including those from Spanair, Mexicana, TAM and others...

Anyone know the process for QR pilots - how does one bid/request another fleet type once the training bond is paid off, etc.? Can QR pilots bid other fleet types - or are people selected based on certain criteria? What's the process?

Cheers

[80-87]

Crewing 787

F/Os of 320 don't want to be re-bonded because of another type and furthermore, a few senior F/Os are nearing Captain upgrade and don't want to lose the opportunity.