The Tipperary Peace Award, established in 1984 to promote peace and humanitarian work, has previously been awarded to notable global figures such as Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton. Qatar received the honor for its decisive interventions in international peace efforts.

“This is not a personal achievement,” Sheikh Mohammed stated during the award ceremony. “I accept this on behalf of the people and leadership of Qatar.” Under the leadership of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has become a nation that does not surrender in the face of challenges. The Emir is seen as a role model for the world — treating all people in the region and the poor across the globe as his own children, grieving every life lost.

Qatar believes that peace is a legacy to be protected. Many have questioned the country’s mediation efforts from Gaza to Afghanistan, and from Lebanon to Ukraine. But what Qatar is doing goes beyond mediation — it is actively participating in transforming the world. The award comes shortly after Qatar was subjected to a missile attack, but the Prime Minister emphasized that Qatar responded not from weakness but from strength. That moment was not about retaliation, but about wisdom and restraint.

He added that Qatar prioritizes the region’s stability and the well-being of its people over displays of power or loud rhetoric. Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister delivered a message to future generations:
“Do not consider peace a sign of weakness. It is stronger than war, more powerful than hate, and louder than violence.”

The post Recognition for Peace Efforts: Ireland’s Tipperary Peace Award Presented to Qatar appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In a statement, the ministry acknowledged the swift and responsible response of both citizens and residents who, despite the situation, ensured continuity in reaching workplaces and essential service centres.

“This decision comes as a gesture of appreciation for the public’s urgent movement to fulfill national and professional responsibilities under extraordinary conditions,” the ministry said.

Officials clarified that this is a one-time exemption, applicable exclusively to violations committed on June 23, and does not set a precedent for future incidents. The ministry also emphasized the importance of continued compliance with traffic laws and regulations, urging motorists to respect the rights and safety of all road users.

Regional Escalation: Iran Launches Missiles at US Base in Qatar

The waiver announcement came on the heels of a major regional security incident. On Monday, Iran launched missile strikes targeting the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in retaliation for recent American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Qatari authorities confirmed that the country’s air defence systems successfully intercepted the missiles aimed at the base, which hosts the largest US military presence in the Middle East.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated that the attack was a response to the US airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear sites, including an underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow, hit by American bunker-buster bombs just a day earlier.

Following the Iranian strike, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait temporarily closed their airspaces, and flight operations in Dubai were also disrupted. The US and UK embassies in the Gulf region advised their citizens to shelter in place amid growing instability.

Iran: Attack was ‘Self-Defence’

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified on Tuesday that the missile strike was not an act of aggression against Qatar, but rather a legitimate act of self-defence in accordance with international law.

“The missile operation targeting Al Udeid base was carried out within the framework of Iran’s right to self-defence,” Araghchi said during a phone call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

While Qatar has called for restraint from all parties, the incident has raised concerns about the escalation of conflict in the Gulf region, with diplomatic and aviation implications continuing to unfold.

The post Qatar Waives Traffic Violations Amid Regional Tensions Following Missile Attack appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Qatar emphasized that it shares a decades-long relationship with the United States, which contributes positively to regional security. The country urged Iran to respect Qatar’s policies and maintain peaceful and friendly ties. Qatar also stated that Gulf nations must lead efforts to ensure peace in the region.

In response to the attack, Qatar summoned the Iranian ambassador and formally lodged a protest. Letters were also sent to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General. The missile strike on the Al Udeid airbase occurred around 7:30 p.m. Qatar time, according to official reports. Qatar confirmed that the attack had been intercepted.

The missile strike was reportedly Iran’s retaliation for American attacks on its nuclear sites. Following an advance warning, Qatar closed its airspace around 6:45 p.m., and Iran launched its attack within 45 minutes. Loud explosions were heard across residential areas in Doha, including Al Wakrah, Ain Khalid, and the Industrial Area.

Iran launched 19 missiles in total, all of which were successfully intercepted, according to the Qatari Ministry of Defense. Although one missile did land within the Al Udeid airbase, there were no casualties or injuries. Since the airbase had been evacuated in advance, the attack caused no human harm.

Qatar strongly condemned the attack and reiterated that diplomatic dialogue is the path to resolving conflicts. Iran, meanwhile, responded by stating the attack was not aimed at Qatar, a friendly nation, but was a response directed at the United States.

The post Al Udeid Attack: Iran Expresses Regret, Says Qatari PM appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

During the camp, Indian expatriates can avail of a range of consular services including passport renewal, attestation, and police clearance certificates (PCC).

The camp will operate from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and will also serve as a platform to address labour-related issues directly with authorized officials.

An ICBF Insurance Desk will also be available at the camp to assist community members with queries and enrollments.

Renewed passports submitted during the camp will be distributed on June 20.

For more information, individuals can contact 7724 5945 or 6626 2477.

The post Special Consular Camp in Qatar on May 30 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Under the new rule, outdoor work will be prohibited from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily. The ministry stated that working during peak daylight hours could lead to serious health issues, including heatstroke and dehydration, hence the need for strict preventive measures.

This annual measure, particularly relevant to sectors like construction, mandates that all companies ensure workers are given adequate rest during the designated hours. The Ministry will also conduct inspections to ensure compliance, and action will be taken against any companies found violating the rule.

Additionally, the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the health authorities, is conducting awareness campaigns to educate both employers and employees about the dangers of extreme heat and the importance of taking proper precautions. These include providing shaded rest areas and access to water.

Although the ministry has not yet announced how long the midday work ban will remain in effect this year, in previous years, the rule typically lasted until mid-September. The policy is expected to benefit thousands of workers, especially during the peak summer months of June, July, and August, when temperatures in Qatar and other Gulf regions soar.

The post Qatar Implements Midday Work Ban from June 1 Due to Extreme Heat appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post Qatar Defends Boeing 747 Gift to U.S. Amid Ethical Concerns appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Eid Al Fitr: From the 28th day of Ramadan until the end of the 4th day of Shawwal.

Qatar National Day: Celebrated annually on December 18.

These provisions aim to provide clarity and consistency in the nation’s public holiday schedule, facilitating better planning for both public institutions and citizens

The post Qatar Declares Five-Day Eid Al Adha Holiday Starting June 5, 2025 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Doha : Under the high patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg will take place from May 20 to 22 in Doha. Organized in collaboration with Media City Qatar, the forum will gather over 2,500 influential leaders from government, business, and finance to discuss global economic transformation under the theme “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy.”

The three-day event will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, focused discussions, high-level meetings, MoU signings, and cultural engagements. The agenda will explore topics including Geopolitics, Global Trade, Energy Security, Technological Disruption, Business Outlook, and Sports & Entertainment.

Notable Speakers

Over 120 high-profile figures are expected to participate, including:

• H.E. Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani, Governor, Qatar Central Bank
• H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance, Qatar
• H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy & Planning, Saudi Arabia
• H.E. Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Finance, Turkey
• Elon Musk (virtual), CEO, Tesla and SpaceX
• Howard Marks, Co-Chairman, Oaktree Capital
• Steven T. Mnuchin, Former U.S. Treasury Secretary
• Jenny Johnson, CEO, Franklin Templeton
• Tony O. Elumelu, Group Chair, Heirs Holdings
• Donald Trump Jr., Executive VP, Trump Organization
• Yanis Varoufakis, Former Finance Minister, Greece
• Ted Leonsis, CEO, Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Additional speakers include global executives from ConocoPhillips, Blackstone, JPMorgan, DBS Bank, BitOasis, CapitaLand, Agility, and Multiply Group.

Forum Vision

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar and the forum’s organizing committee, said:

“At a time of increasing global fragmentation, the Qatar Economic Forum provides a vital platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Together with Bloomberg Media, we aim to foster shared understanding and progress.”

Karen Saltser, CEO of Bloomberg Media, added:

“The forum is not just a regional platform—it is a global stage where economic visionaries shape strategies for the future. We’re proud to highlight the Gulf’s rising influence in the global economic landscape.”

Key Highlights

• Bloomberg will unveil its inaugural Africa Startups to Watch list at the forum.
• The event will be broadcast live on Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg Terminal, and Bloomberg.com.
• Official partners include Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Media City Qatar.
• Sponsors range from Qatar Investment Authority, QNB, and QRDI Council, to Qatar Airways, Ooredoo, and Visit Qatar.

For registration and more details, visit: www.QatarEconomicForum.com

Follow the event on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for live updates.

The post Global Business and Government Leaders to Gather on May 20-22 for Fifth Edition of Qatar Economic Forum appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post US President Trump in Qatar; Visit as Gaza ceasefire talks progress appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The seats feature fully customisable Quad Suites, creating a ‘social space in the sky’ for groups of four and window aisle Companion Suites.
The airline said all suites have 4K OLED manoeuvrable in-flight entertainment screens that can be moved to connect the spacious and private suites.

The seats provide ambient lighting, privacy controls, the ‘Make My Bed’ button for the 5-star Qatar Airways turn-down service, and more. The Quad and Companion Suites have increased dining space and taller digitally controlled privacy dividers.
The “Qsuite Next Gen” is expected to debut on Qatar Airways’ upcoming Boeing 777-9 aircraft fleet, with the first deliveries anticipated around late 2025 or early 2026. It will also be installed on future Airbus A350-1000 deliveries starting in 2026.

In other news about the airline, Qatar Airways is increasing its flights between Doha and Toronto, with plans to offer daily connections by October 2025. This expansion follows the launch of a new Toronto service in December 2024. The airline will resume flights to Malta with four weekly services starting from July 2 and has resumed three weekly flights to Damascus, Syria, starting January 7.

The airline has also extended its principal partnership with the Paris Saint-Germain football club until 2028.

The post Qatar Airways to showcase new Biz Class’ Qsuite Next Gen’ seats at ATM Dubai 2025 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post Qatar unveils plans to promote private sector appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The post India-Qatar Strengthen Strategic Ties at Ramadan Suhoor Event in Doha; Showcasing Investment Opportunities in India appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Last year, the state-owned airline posted a 39 per cent jump in annual net profit to a record 6.1 billion Qatari riyals ($1.67 billion). Revenue grew by 6 per cent to 81 billion riyals in the year ended March 31 2024, the government-owned airline had reported.

Al-Meer’s comments about profitability followed after the airline CEO officially announced the expansion of Qatar Airways’ home base in Doha – Hamad International Airport – with two new concourses – D and E.

New concourses to boost profit
The expansion has boosted the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 65 million. The new building now covers 842,000 square metres – a 14 per cent increase. The total number of boarding gates reached 62, following the addition of 17 new gates, a 40 per cent increase.

This achievement marks the final phase of the airport’s transformation journey, which began in 2022 with the opening of ‘Orchard,’ a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden.
Al-Meer did not disclose specific budget details for DOH’s latest expansion project. However, he said. “The expansion costs are a confidential matter. While it is expected to increase the operating costs just like any associated with a larger terminal, I can reassure you that the expansion would add value and increase annual net profit.”

Airport authorities also said that the expansion has created numerous job opportunities, boosting employment in the aviation and hospitality sectors, without providing any numbers.

Will Qatar Airways IPO?
Al-Meer said this matter is under review by the Qatar Investment Authority and other government entities regarding privatisation and a potential IPO. If any decisions are made, they will be announced in due course.
GCC airlines, including Etihad Airways and flynas, are increasingly considering IPOs to capitalise on the resurgence of international travel.

Qatar Airways, however, remains active in strategic investments. The airline recently agreed to acquire a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital. This acquisition also positions Qatar Airways as a cornerstone investor ahead of Virgin Australia’s anticipated IPO, strengthening its influence in the Australasian market. ​

New acquisitions?
When asked if there were any new acquisition plans for the airline in the pipeline, “We are very close with our equity investment in Rwanda Air, which is a good addition to our network. After Rwanda Air, we don’t have anything planned yet.”

Last year, Qatar Airways Group also acquired a 25 per cent stake in Southern Africa’s independent regional carrier, Airlink.
Regarding GCC airline profitability and potential mergers, like those of European carriers, Al-Meer stated that Qatar Airways has no plans for a merger. “Unlike European carriers, which often merge to avoid bankruptcy, Qatar Airways remains financially strong and independent,” he added.

Al-Meer also said that the Chinese market has been a key focus for Qatar Airways, with load factors exceeding 88–89 per cent. “Flights to and from China remain fully booked, generating significant revenue,” he stated.

The post Qatar Airways 2024-25 profits will be ‘better than previous years’: CEO Badr Al Meer appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In 2024, the airport oversaw 52.7 million passengers.

The expansion project had started in 2018. Opening of Concourses D and E ‘represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the Orchard, a 6,000 square meter indoor tropical garden’, said a statement.

The new concourses are well integrated into the existing terminal, which now spans 842,000 square meters—a 14% increase. The addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, and that’s nearly 40% higher.

This will streamline operations and ‘significantly’ reduce bus transfers.
“I am pleased to see this expansion project, with conclusion of both concourses going live, which I have personally been involved with since 2018,” said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways’ Group CEO.

“While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. This is not just about increasing capacity—it is about strengthening the entire Qatar Airways network, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting Qatar’s economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

“This development allows us to meet the evolving demands of global travel while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading aviation hub.”

What changes with new concourses
The new concourses come with self-boarding systems, helping makes process faster for passengers. “Smart technology enables swift document verification, reduces wait times, and ensures smooth transitions from terminal to aircraft,” said a statement.

“With increased gate capacity and optimised flight operations, the airport can accommodate a greater number of international carriers and offer more direct routes to key global destinations,” it added.

New retail space
The additional concourses also add to the airport’s retail area, by 2,700 square meters.

“This combined development streamlines passenger flow, optimises resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services,” said Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport.

The post Qatar’s Hamad International Airport goes live with two new concourses appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Qatar’s foreign ministry “warns that (Israel’s) escalating policies will ultimately ignite the region and undermine its security and stability”, it said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel had “no alternative” other than to resume military operations in Gaza after its efforts to secure the release of hostages failed.

“Without the release of our hostages, Israel has no alternative but resuming military operations”, he said on X, accusing Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas of rejecting an offer to extend the ceasefire’s first phase that ended earlier this month.

As well as freeing the roughly 60 captives still in Gaza, Israel wants Hamas to disarm and step down from power in the territory. The Iran-backed group, designated a terrorist organization by the US and many other countries, had been calling for Israeli troops to withdraw.

Hamas said at least 404 people have been killed while many others are missing since the airstrikes began.

The Gaza operation, along with others overnight by Israel on Lebanon and Syria and US attacks on the Houthis in Yemen since Saturday, have ended the relative calm in the Middle East in recent weeks.
Gold and oil prices have risen. The former increased to a fresh all-time high, while Brent crude is up about 2.1% to $72.04 a barrel in the past two days, heading for its best week since early-January. The Israeli shekel weakened 0.7% as of 12:23 p.m. local time, the worst performer in Bloomberg’s basket of 31 ‘expanded major’ currencies.

The Gaza bombardment is the fiercest since a truce brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the US started in January. It officially ended in early March “- with Hamas having released around 35 hostages and Israel freeing more than 1,000 imprisoned Palestinians. There was no official extension of the deal as the warring sides disagreed on the way forward during talks through the mediators.
Israel had warned that it could restart military operations if Hamas didn’t agree to release more hostages, of which it believes around 25 are alive.

After the strikes began, Hamas said Netanyahu had decided to “overturn the ceasefire agreement, putting the captives in Gaza at an unknown fate.”

The group earlier accused Israel of failing to meet its commitments under the truce, citing the Netanyahu government’s decision to stop aid supplies getting into Gaza.

Large swathes of the Palestinian territory have been destroyed in the 17 months of war, with the vast majority of its 2 million population displaced. More than 48,000 people have been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health authority.
Hamas planning attacks
In recent days, Israel gathered evidence that led it to conclude Hamas was planning attacks on Israeli troops in the Gaza buffer zone and a cross-border raid into Israeli communities along the lines of the October 2023 attack that triggered the war, according to a senior military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. About 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 raid and 250 abducted.

Israeli intelligence saw what it believed to be Hamas preparations for such actions, the officer said, with the experience of Oct. 7 informing the military’s decision to act preemptively, rather than wait and see if they are serious.

The officer said the air operation is ongoing and decisions about whether to increase activity would be made by the government.

Hostage familes
The renewed attacks are opposed by some of the families of hostages.
“The worst fear of the families, of the hostages and of the citizens of Israel has come to pass,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, one of the biggest such groups in Israel, said on Tuesday. “The Israeli government has chosen to give up on the hostages.”

Far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition government said Israel had no choice.

Israel consulted the US on the operation, the White House said.

The post Mediator Qatar warns Israeli strikes that killed over 400 could ‘ignite the region’ appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The airline, crowned the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, has announced increased flight frequencies to 11 key destinations, strengthening connectivity for both business and leisure travelers.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said, “Qatar Airways’ vast network of global destinations is complemented with robust flight frequencies for the benefit of our passengers.”

He added, “The new additions further reflect our commitment to fostering worldwide connectivity and elevating passengers’ travel experience with our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) – voted World’s Best Airport and World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2024.

Qatar Airways is increasing flights to several major destinations worldwide, enhancing connectivity ahead of the peak summer travel season. The airline will now operate 56 weekly flights to London Heathrow (up from 49), 11 to Amsterdam (up from 7), 14 to Tokyo Narita (up from 11), and 17 to Madrid (up from 14), with jointly operated flights with Iberia increasing to 24 weekly.

In the Middle East and Africa, Sharjah will see a jump to 35 weekly flights (up from 21), while Damascus increases significantly to 14 (up from 3). Other key destinations include Dar Es Salaam-Kilimanjaro (rising from 3 to 7 weekly flights), Entebbe (from 7 to 11), Tunis (from 10 to 12), Larnaca (from 7 to 10), and Maputo-Durban (from 5 to 7).

Last week, Qatar’s national airline said it would soon place a sizeable order for wide-body jets to underpin its longer-term growth plans.

“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,” CCO Thierry Antinori told Reuters.

The post Qatar Airways adds more flights to 11 global destinations ahead of summer surge appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The state-owned carrier will add one more daily flight to Damascus in June, Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori said. The airline uses an Airbus SE A330 wide-body jet on the route and the flight operates at a 90% occupancy rate, he said.
Qatar Airways was one of the first international carriers to resume flights to the Syrian capital in January after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Most airlines stopped flying to Damascus at the start of the last decade after demonstrations escalated into a full civil war. The carrier was also of the first to relaunch flights to Beirut after a cease fire was reached between Israel and Lebanon in November.

“Beirut reopening is good for Africa business and Brazil, because you have some Lebanese community in Ivory Coast, in West Africa, in Brazil, so as a global connector with diaspora all around the world, it’s positive,” Antinori said.

On Tuesday, Qatar Airways announced a third daily flight from Doha to Berlin to meet growing demand on a route that the airline dominates amid the absence of regional rival Emirates. Qatar Airways now flies to five destinations in Germany, including Hamburg, which the airline started flights to last year.
Antinori said that other destinations in Europe’s largest economy may also be under consideration in the future, including Stuttgart, which is a key industrial hub in Germany and the home to Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Porsche AG.

The post Qatar Airways to increase flight frequency to Syria appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

However, the fourth quarter (Q4/2024) saw a strong rebound, with exports reaching QAR 4.48 billion, reflecting a 68.5% year-on-year increase and a 75.3% jump from Q3/2024.The General Model certificate accounted for 76.7% of exports, followed by the GCC Model (18.7%), the Unified Arab Model (3.9%), and the Singapore Model (0.7%).
While fuel products and essential oils saw annual declines of 21.6% and 43.9%, respectively, several commodities recorded substantial growth:

Chemical fertilizers soared 379.6%
Chemicals surged 233.7%
Lotrene jumped 233.7%
Paraffin increased 156.8%
Steel & its products rose 72.9%
Regional & Country-Wise Distribution
Asian countries (excluding GCC and Arab nations) were the top recipients of Qatar’s private sector exports in Q4, receiving QAR 2.62 billion (58.4%), followed by GCC countries with QAR 1.08 billion (24%).

India emerged as the top export destination, receiving QAR 1.5 billion (34.3%), followed by:

UAE – QAR 638 million (14.2%)
Bangladesh – QAR 528 million (11.8%)
Morocco – QAR 209 million (4.7%)
The Netherlands – QAR 187 million (4.2%)

Other key markets included China, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey, and Kuwait.

The post Oman among the top five as Qatar’s private sector exports hit QAR 12.2 billion in 2024 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shaidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the summit’s significance, calling it an essential global forum for the tech industry.
Under the slogan “We Reach the World,” Oman aims to highlight its strategic geographical location, placing it within the path of major international internet lines and reinforcing its role as a global center for digital growth.
Omani startups at the summit are showcasing innovations in artificial intelligence, education technologies, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and health technology. The event also provides an opportunity for them to connect with investors and industry experts, paving the way for future collaborations.

The Web Summit 2025, running until February 26, has attracted over 15,000 participants from 180 countries, including 400 investors and 1,000 startups—making it one of the world’s most influential technology gatherings.

The post 24 Omani startups aim for global expansion in Web Summit 2025 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Qatar’s achievements span numerous sectors, including its leadership in liquefied natural gas production and a thriving foreign investment portfolio. The launch of the third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) this year reflects Qatar’s commitment to advancing education, healthcare, trade, and innovation, ensuring its place among developed nations by 2030.

The post Qatar marks 53rd National Day, celebrates rapid growth and strategic achievements appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The airline, with an order for 25 737-10s, is considering switching to smaller 737-8s and would likely hand those planes to partners like RwandAir and Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd. that already use the model, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private negotiations.

The Gulf carrier firmed up the deal for the 737s in mid 2022 at a time when it was mired in a messy dispute with Airbus SE that led to the cancellation of a purchase agreement for 50 A321 narrowbody jets.

The spat, which originated with the larger A350 model, was later settled out of court and Airbus reinstated the order, leaving Qatar on the hook for the Boeing narrowbody planes that it now doesn’t need anymore.

Qatar Airways declined to comment, and a Boeing official said the manufacturer would defer to the customer.In July, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Badr Al Meer said that relationships had improved with Airbus, and that the planemaker is delivering aircraft earlier than planned. Al Meer took over from Akbar Al Baker, who had clashed with Airbus over flaking paint on the larger A350 planes.
Qatar predominantly flies long-haul models like the Airbus A350 as well as Boeing’s 787 and 777 planes. As part of the switch into smaller 737 Max planes, the company may also take more 787 aircraft from Boeing, the people said. The airline could also choose to opt for the 777 freighter, another person said.

The 737 Max 10 is the largest variant of Boeing’s popular single-aisle family. Qatar Airways would join carriers including United Airlines Holdings Inc. and Virgin Australia that have switched out of some orders for the long-delayed Max 10.
The commercial debut of the model isn’t expected before later in 2025 at best. Certification is years behind schedule as the US manufacturer grapples with tougher regulatory scrutiny and redesign of the jet engines anti-ice system.

Qatar Airways is separately working on a large order for new aircraft, which may come early next year.

The post Qatar Airways seeks to drop Boeing 737s after making up with airbus appeared first on The Gulf Indians.