Money's In; Airplanes On Line by End of Year

Qatar Airways, the Doha based national carrier of the State of Qatar, has recently signed a financing mandate with Natexis Banques Populaires for the long term financing of two Airbus A320 aircraft to be delivered in November and December 2003.

Qatar Airways is one of the world's fastest-growing airlines, serving 41 destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The A320 will be deployed in a two-class layout on Qatar Airways' regional scheduled services within the Gulf, to the Middle East and to southwest Asia.  The airline's excellent product and high efficiency are expected to underpin its continued rapid growth.

Qatar Airways recently signed an agreement with Airbus Industries for an order of 34 aircraft in a $5.1 billion deal that will allow the airline to increase its fleet from 24 to 52 by 2008.

The present fleet consists of 24 new Airbus aircraft including A330-200s, A300-600s, A320-200s, and A319 Corporate Jets. The new order includes A330-200/300s, A340-600HGWs and A321s. The airline has also confirmed orders for the A380 'Super Jumbo.'

FMI: www.qatarairways.com