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The Rise Of Qatar Airways: From Two A310s To Global Mega Airline
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Like several other Middle Eastern airlines, Qatar Airways has had grown rapidly since its founding in 1993. In 2019 it was the 11th largest airline globally by passenger carried. And it has grown from a passenger fleet of just two to 233 aircraft today. This article explores this growth and where it is heading next.
Qatar Airways has seen one of the fastest growth of any airline. Photo: Getty Images
Two A310s flying from 1994
Qatar Airways was established in 1993, founded by the royal family of Qatar. The airline was relaunched in 1997 and led by Chief Executive Mr Akbar Al Baker. He remains in the role in 2021.
Qatar Airways Now Operates 50+ Airbus A350 Aircraft
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Qatar Airways now has proudly announced on social media that it has over 50 Airbus A350s in its fleet. The airline was the first customer to receive the A350 back in 2015 and has since acquired over 50 (a mix of A350-900s and A350-1000s).
Qatar Airways was the first airline to put the A350 into service in 2015. Photo: Getty Images
Qatar Airways celebrates 50+ A350s in the sky
After taking delivery of three more A350s this October, Qatar Airways took its A350 fleet over the 50-plane mark. The airline now has a total of 52 Airbus A350 planes, giving it the joint-largest A350 fleet in the world together with Singapore Airlines. However, Qatar Airways is unique in that it operates both the A350-900 (34 in total) and the longer A350-1000 (18 in total).