Saudi Arabia, UAE May Also Be Lining Up Investments

According to reports, Qatar Airways is finalizing a large order for Boeing widebody aircraft, and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are also planning to announce aircraft investments when President Donald Trump visits the Middle East beginning May 13.

The report said the Qatar Airways order would be for about 100 aircraft, with options for up to 100 additional airliners. Although it has not yet been announced or confirmed, the news is said to have originated from people familiar with the process.

It was also reported that Qatar Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antorini had implied that “the wheels were in motion for an aircraft agreement.”

Antorini said at the time, ““To secure the growth of tomorrow by continuing to have a very strong and the best fleet in the industry, our CEO is working on the RFP (request for proposal) with the aircraft manufacturer to place a big order soon.”

However, an executive with Qatar Airways would not say if a possible agreement would involve Boeing or Airbus, or a combination of both.

President Trump will be traveling to first meet with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. He will then hold talks with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, followed by Emirati President Mohammed Bin Zayed in the UAE.

FMI:  www.qatarairways.com/