Qatar Airways announced that it will operate an Airbus Corporate Jetliner configured for A319 Long Range operations. It is scheduled to enter service in mid 2003 and will be named "Oryx Long Range." The A319 Long Range is the latest addition to the 'Airbus A320 Family' of aircraft.

Speaking at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, held in Germany recently, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al-Baker, announced that the airline is going to operate an Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) configured for A319 Long Range operations. The ACJ, a longer-range version of the A319, can fly as far as 6,000 nm/11,100 km with 12 passengers on board.

The aircraft delivered for A319 Long Range applications is Qatar's second ACJ. The airline's first ACJ has been in operation with the airline since mid 2001, carrying the name "Oryx Express."

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "Qatar Airways is proud to be known as an all-Airbus airline. Our relationship with Airbus has stood the test of time and we both have grown from strength to strength due to our close cooperation during the past year. In the days to come, Qatar Airways would like to build on this special relationship of mutual trust and cooperation with Airbus Industries to reach our set goals."

Mr. Baker added: "Qatar Airways was the launch customer for the Airbus Corporate Jetliner and again Qatar Airways will be one of the first customers for the Airbus super jumbo A380, an aircraft which will prove to be the pride of the owners and the envy of their competitors. By the end of the current year, Qatar Airways will have a fleet of 28 airplanes, all Airbus aircraft. From our experience, we can say that Airbus aircraft in our fleet have performed to our utmost satisfaction and that is why Qatar Airways has gone for more and more of Airbus aircraft and decided to stay an all-Airbus airline."

While the "Oryx Express" is configured to accommodate 36 passengers, the "Oryx Long Range" will feature a two-class cabin layout for up to 110 passengers. Both aircraft will be part of Qatar's all-Airbus fleet, flying on a network that includes destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Asia.

As an addition to the airliner passenger cabin, an Air Medical Unit can be fitted in approximately one hour in place of two seats and stowage. The Unit has a self-contained stretcher, oxygen supply and provisions for electricity supply. This allows the installation of a FAA certified SERAI EVASAN International Air Medical Unit with a heart monitor, defibrillator and ventilator for carrying passengers in need of medical attention.

FMI: www.qatarairways.com