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Farnborough: Following Monday's thundering start to the Farnborough International Air Show, where Dubai's new low-cost operator FlyDubai announced that it is investing in 50 next-generation Boeing 737-800s worth around $3.74 billion at list prices, the tempo dropped noticeably yesterday.
It was left to Qatar Airways to provide the silver lining for the aviation industry, which has been wilting under a recession that has resulted in thousands of job losses.
Qatar Airways, one of only six airlines in the world with a five-star rating for service and excellence, confirmed a firm order for four Airbus 321 aircraft with options for a further two, in a deal worth close to £270 million.
Delivery
The planes, which are a longer version of the popular A320 series, are scheduled to be delivered between 2009 and 2010, an airline official said.
The Doha-based airline also said it remains interested in Bombardier's CSeries, the new family of 110-149 seat commercial jets that are expected to enter the market in 2013.
Detailing the negotiations, chief executive Akbar Al Baker said the airline was close to launching a budget carrier to remain competitive in the burgeoning Middle East market.
Low-cost operators like Jazeera and Air Arabia have bit into the market while FlyDubai is projected to become operational by 2009.
Al Baker said Qatar Airways was poised to set up its budget airline "within 90 days".
He said: "Setting up a low-cost carrier depends on our rivals eroding Qatar Airways' market share, but we are ready to respond. We have a name registered, we have aircraft available and we will be ready to launch within 90 days from when I feel the pain of the low-cost market."
In other deals on day two of the air show, Tunisair, which operates scheduled services to Europe, African and Middle Eastern destinations, ordered 16 Airbus jets in a deal just short of the £1 billion mark while Nigeria's domestic airline Arik Air also announced an order for an additional seven next-generation 737s.
Arik Air had ordered 10 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft in September 2007 and now has a total of 17 next-generation 737s on order. Arik Air currently operates six 737-700s.
"We are committed to the advancement of Nigerian aviation through the utilisation of the most modern and reliable airplanes available today," said Arik Air chairman Sir Arumemi-Johnson said. "With the next-generation 737 as the cornerstone of our regional operations, Arik is well position across the Boeing product line to pursue our growth plan.
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