A380 set to join Qatar Airways fleet

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A model of the Qatar Airways  A380 (from my collection.)

The first of 13 Airbus A380s Qatar Airways ordered will join its fleet on June 17, the state-owned carrier announced today.

It will operate on the Doha-London (DOH-LHR) route.

“These aircraft, with their customized cabins, will set a new level of comfort for our passengers, who will also benefit from a smooth and pleasant passenger experience at the world’s newest airport, Hamad International Airport, the soon to be opened new home of Qatar Airways,” said CEO Akbar Al Baker.

The A380 is the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

Emirates, based in neighbouring Dubai, is the largest operator of A380s with 47 aircraft in service and another 93 on order. It flies to more than 20 cities, including Toronto.

With a fleet of 131 various aircraft, Qatar Airways flies to 137 destinations.

 

Montreal welcomes Tunisian airline

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Montreal today became the first North American city to be connected to the Tunisian capital Tunis by direct flight when the private airline Syphax launched its service.

Syphax, which began operations just two years ago, will use an Airbus 330-200 for the flight to Tunis–Carthage (TUN), which departs Friday evenings.

“Following the recent announcements of the arrival of Turkish Airlines and Copa Airlines, this third addition for 2014 clearly illustrates Montreal–Trudeau airport’s (YUL) vitality as it seeks to strengthen its positioning as a hub connecting Europe/North Africa/the Middle East with the Americas,” said airport president and CEO James Cherry.

Montreal–Trudeau currently serves about 130 destinations by direct flight.

Syphax is based at Sfax Thyna airport in Tunisia. Its network includes Paris, Rome, Brussels, Belgrade, Istanbul, Jeddah, Benghazi and Tripoli.

Airport image courtsey: Montreal-Trudeau.

Boeing marks a 737 milestone

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Boeing made history today by delivering the 8,000th 737 — the first commercial airplane to reach that milestone.

The airplane, a Next-Generation 737-900ER featuring a special logo, was delivered to the United Airlines.

“The 737 program continues to innovate with new features and technology, meeting the needs of our customers now and into the future,” said Beverly Wyse, vice-president and general manager of the 737 program.

The special logo

“Boeing has a long and treasured history with United Airlines, and we’re proud they’re taking delivery of this milestone airplane.”

The company recalled that United was the first airline to order and take delivery of the 737-200.

“Since 1965, United has taken delivery of more than 550 737s and operated nearly every model,” it said.

Boeing says the 737 program has a backlog with more than 3,700 airplanes on order, including 1,934 orders for the new 737 MAX.

Images are courtesy of Boeing.