Why Qatar Airways Is Ordering Aircraft

Qatar Airways has ambitions to be the biggest airline in the Middle East and renowned as a proper global carrier with an established and reliable network.

To achieve these ambitions, the airline has developed its fleet considerably over recent years and has a healthy backlog to accompany it.

However, now, in the early stages of 2025, Qatar Airways is reportedly keen to add to this backlog by purchasing more widebody aircraft to meet demand.

As a result, the airline’s commitment to new planes will increase, but why is it making this decision?

Competition In The Middle East

Qatar Airways, due to its geographical positioning and business model choice, faces intense competition from regional giants like Emirates and Etihad Airways.

These aforementioned airlines are global carriers, and both are in the process of modernising their fleets to advance as a generation of airlines.

This renewal enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and seeks to improve customer satisfaction. In response, Qatar Airways is forced to maintain its competitive edge so it doesn’t lose valuable market share.

Widebody aircraft are crucial, as Qatar relies on long-haul connectivity through its Doha hub. To sustain its market share, Qatar must ensure it has enough aircraft flying daily and in its backlog for deliveries into the 2030s.

Beyond the Gulf carriers, Turkish Airlines presents another challenge. With its strategic location in Istanbul, the airline is aggressively expanding, adopting a strategy that puts further pressure on a company such as Qatar.

To fend off these competitive pressures, Qatar Airways has begun getting creative with investments in Virgin Australia. This stake, which extends its reach into key Asia-Pacific markets, has been applauded.

However, the airline’s most direct way to remain relevant is through fleet expansion, which it continues to target.

New aircraft enable greater frequencies and additional routes, which means that while competition will continue to be present, the carrier can feel more comfortable that it has the capacity available to make necessary changes to its network.

The Qatar Airways Fleet

Qatar Airways’ current fleet comprises many aircraft types; however, its firmest reliance is on widebody planes, which align with its core business model.

Fleet data indicates the airline has 227 aircraft; however, as of March 9, 2025, there are 219 units active, spread across Airbus and Boeing planes.

Qatar Airways operates two single-aisle fleet types: the Airbus A320, which has 27 units in service and is 12.6 years old. Away from the A320, the carrier has the 737 family with MAX jets, a modest collection of 7 active units averaging 4.3 years.

The company also has a modest fleet of Airbus A330s, with ten units in service averaging 18.4 years of age. Thanks to many aircraft already being removed, this fleet is the oldest among others active and is being phased out as part of renewal efforts.

One of the airline’s most essential widebody jets is the next-generation Airbus A350. Despite a dispute with the planemaker at the beginning of the decade, 58 have been delivered, spread across the A350-900 and the A350-1000, this family averaging 6.8 years.

The company is also committed to the world’s largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, with seven units in service; however, these act as a short-term solution while they navigate complications in acquiring next-generation jets.

One of the airline’s last aircraft types is the Boeing 777, with 61 units averaging 12.2 years of age. Thanks to a substantial order for the 777X, this aircraft will elevate the airline and help replace some of the older 777s in the decades ahead.

Lastly, the airline flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 50 units in service averaging 8.2 years of age. Therefore, the carrier is committed to every available widebody family from Airbus and Boeing with each aircraft serving.

A New Aircraft Order Coming

However, as 2025 progresses, Qatar Airways looks set to beef up its commitment to widebody aircraft, with a new purchase expected to arrive in the next few months to enhance its fleet.

Speaking with Reuters, the airline’s chief commercial officer stated that a new aircraft order was being processed to focus strictly on widebody jets, which the company believes is an area worth exploring further with new commitments.

No specific jet was announced as being targeted for this upcoming deal; however, it is expected to be finalised in the coming months, permitting no further hiccups in finalising contracts between now and then.

Qatar Airways’ fleet already includes the most available widebody jets, from the 787 Dreamliner to the Airbus A350 and even the Boeing 777. The airline’s order book includes considerable units from the upcoming 777X series.

Therefore, Qatar Airways’ direction for the deal could be many ways, whether equally split down the middle with a reliance on Airbus and Boeing-produced aircraft or different with just one manufacturer securing the contract.

If Qatar Airways put all its eggs in one basket and went with just Airbus or Boeing for the deal, one company would miss out on what is broadly viewed as an essential contract.