Qatar Airways' new CEO told reporters in July that the airline is keeping its beloved A380s. The decision came down to demand, airport and sky congestion, and the delayed Boeing 777X. Qatar is also developing a new first-class cabin for its A380s, reemphasizing its commitment.
Qatar Airways has gone back and forth on what to do with its Airbus A380 s. Its former CEO, Akbar al Bakar, said told Simple Flying in 2021 that buying the planes was a "big mistake," given its high costs and inefficiencies. However, on the sidelines of the Farnborough Airshow in July, Qatar's new CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, told the media that the quad-engine is getting a second life.
"His Excellency, maybe he gave this comment years ago based on the situation of the industry, but today it's different," he said, referring to Bakar. Across the industry, airlines have been retiring the A380 en masse. While it was loved for its grandeur, its two levels and four engines simply aren't as economical as the twin-engine widebody competitors like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
Qatar believes it has found the niche routes that make its A380s profitable out of its lucrative Doha base. Executives said the U-turn came down to airspace and airport congestion, demand, and the delayed Boeing 777X. Qatar isn't just keeping A380s around as placeholders, either.
In March, Al Meer said the airline is also designing a new first-class cabin for the jets. Until then, passengers can still enjoy the luxury Qatar's A380s currently offer, including a flying bar..
