Qatar prepares "big" order - 110% confident in Boeing planes safety
 

The Gulf carrier has also submitted a Request for Proposal to Boeing and Airbus for a "big" new aircraft order, Al Meer said.

"We released an RFP to create some competition between both suppliers," he noted, without disclosing specifics. "We will go through the process, and, with an order this big, we need to take our time."

"We are affected when our aircrafts are not being delivered on time," Al Meer said. "I know Airbus and Boeing have certain problems. We have full trust in both organizations and they're strong enough to overcome those problems."

Al Meer noted he expects to receive Qatar's latest Boeing 777X order by the end of next year, adding he's "110% confident" Boeing makes safe planes.

Al Meer also said Qatar Airways would halt Al Baker's plans for a fast "phase-out" of the flagship Airbus A380. Rival Emirates also signaled it would hold onto the airliner, despite Airbus ending its production in 2021.

Source: CNBC

Pleased to hear the news about the QR A380 delaying retirement

Just flown LHR-DOH in J on one and perhaps the best trip ever from a great many and cabin crew told me they were almost always full or just ne or two seats on the DOH-LHR run . A big 380 fan and QR service was excellent

I have zero inside info but am prepare to bet it will be a 50-50 order (or close to that) between A and B. Who wants to take the bet ?

Wonder how big the discount will be?

I know the airline accountants have a different view on the aircraft but for a passenger it’s by far the most comfortable ride in the sky.

This might indicate a new race for airline growth between Qatar and Saudi Arabia? Both have deep pockets.

I also flew LHR-DOH in the 380 in economy a few months ago, and I have to say it was absolutely nothing special. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but nor was it particularly noteworthy. If I hadn't known beforehand that it was a 380 I wouldn't have been any the wiser. It was just another big aircraft.