Qatar Airways Privilege Club - Qatar has youngest Long Haul fleet

Qatar Airways has the youngest fleet for large long haul airlines. Qatar has introduced 25 new Boeing 777 in about two years, with the Boeing 787s and A380s arriving in the comming years Qatar Airways should be able to hold the title for some time?

http://www.airlineatlas.com/Airline-Fleet-Survey.html

Cool comparison. Though, it is easy to see how as airlines get bigger, they eventually struggle to keep a younger fleet. Singapore is one of the exceptions I suppose...

Some of the 330's are getting a bit long in the tooth, at least by QR's standards, and are well over twice the average age. Recent 777 deliveries have been used to operate new routes or increase the frequency of existing ones, but this can't go on for ever. I doubt if the 330 operated routes will get new equipment, but will instead be gradually upgraded to 777 operation as the 787's arrive. Fleet list, including ages, here. http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Qatar-Airways

I'm hoping that the A330s will be refitted with the new interior that the 787 gets to keep them nice and modern...

I'm hoping that the A330s will be refitted with the new interior that the 787 gets to keep them nice and modern...

I can't see that happening as it will increase the average age of the fleet, something that QR will want to avoid. Revamping is expensive, and can only be justified if the airline plans to keep the aircraft concerned long enough to see a return on its investment. Considering what QR has on mid term order, 350's, 787's and 380's, I can't see the 330's lasting more than about another 5 years, by which time the newest one will be knocking on 10. The older ones are unpopular with the cabin crews because of complaints regarding operation of the somewhat oudated inflight entertainment system. They have years of service left in them, but not with an airline that prides itself on being the very best. Not only that, but, compared with new models coming onstream, they will become increasingly expensive to operate.

Revamping is expensive, and can only be justified if the airline plans to keep the aircraft concerned long enough to see a return on its investment.

Well, some of these things are hard to quantify in terms of return on investment. I don't know how much new seats, carpets, and IFE cost, but it has to be a lot less than the $200m that many large aircraft cost. Of course, there may be some complicated financial twiddling going on behind the scenes that makes aircraft affordable to buy, but then things get complicated...

Considering what QR has on mid term order, 350s, 787s and 380s, I can't see the 330s lasting more than about another 5 years, by which time the newest one will be knocking on 10.

That will depend on how their expansion goes. If they don't add many destinations and more flights, then 787s might start replacing them; otherwise, unless 777s take over many of the routes, I don't see them being replaced for at least 4-5 years. (That said, the oldest A330s in the fleet are already 10 years old, so certainly some of these ones may be replaced in a year or two with 787s).

Not only that, but, compared with new models coming onstream, they will become increasingly expensive to operate.

Maintenance, perhaps; fuel-wise, the A330s are already some of the most efficient aircraft in the skies today, with the 787s only offering a few more percent efficiency.

That will depend on how their expansion goes. If they don't add many destinations and more flights, then 787s might start replacing them; otherwise, unless 777s take over many of the routes, I don't see them being replaced for at least 4-5 years. (That said, the oldest A330s in the fleet are already 10 years old, so certainly some of these ones may be replaced in a year or two with 787s).





The 16 odd A332 will be replaced by the 787 initially, in terms of expansion, recent news about China's sixth freedom rights may throw a spanner in the works for the middle eastern airlines share of the "Kangaroo route" in the future.

China Southern are already offering very cheap fares.

But then again who knows with the Chinese - May not be any Chinese airlines in Europe with Emissions Tax shenanigans :rolleyes:

Qatar Airways are certainly leading the way in fleet updates.