DOHA- Flag carrier Qatar Airways (QR) is likely to ditch Boeing 737 MAX 10 (737-10) and convert them into 737 MAX 8 (737-8), the smaller variant it currently operates, sources revealed to Bloomberg.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet of nine 737 MAX 8 aircraft. It has wet-leased six of them to India’s largest domestic carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E), which deploys them on flights to Doha (DOH).

Qatar Airways 737 MAX Order Update

Doha-based carrier has placed an order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets and is in talks with the manufacturer to convert them into a smaller variant and likely 737-8.

This comes amid Qatar Airways announced its partnership with Virgin Australia (VA), which is also a 737 MAX operator. Virgin Australia has also recently converted 12 of its ordered MAX 10 aircraft to MAX 8s amid delays in certifying the aircraft.

Virgin Australia has a fleet of eight MAX 8s, with six more expected next year. This conversion brings the total to 26 MAX 8s in the delivery line.

Qatar Airways may transfer this 737-8 to its partners like Virgin Australia and Rwanda Air, sources told Bloomberg.

The airline has also improved its relationship with Airbus and is getting regular deliveries of A350s. The dispute between Qatar and Airbus earlier led to the cancellation of the A321 family jet order.

Boeing is experiencing significant certification hurdles for its 737 Max 7 and Max 10 aircraft, with the company now projecting the end of 2025 as the earliest potential certification timeline for the Max 7 model.

As part of its strategic recalibration, the airline may explore acquiring additional 787 aircraft or consider the 777 freighter as a potential alternative to the 737-10, sources told Bloomberg.

Qatar Airways as of December 2024, operates a fleet of 225 aircraft. This mostly includes widebody jets such as Airbus A330s, A350-900s, and A350-1000s, some A380s, Boeing 777s (also 777X), and 787-8 and -9 Dreamliners.

This means Qatar Airways operates almost all types of widebody aircraft available in the market. At least those are in production.

The airline is also preparing to place a major order in 2025. Both Airbus and Boeing will try their best to get a big pie from major Gulf carrier.

New Headquarters

Qatar Airways will move its global headquarters to Msheireb Downtown Doha in 2025, signaling a transformative strategic initiative for the airline’s operational infrastructure. The announcement came during a signing ceremony at the current office, with Eng. Saad Al Muhannadi, Vice Chairperson of Msheireb Properties’ Board of Directors, in attendance.

The new headquarters represents a significant technological and architectural advancement, featuring four interconnected towers positioned strategically nine kilometers from Hamad International Airport. This location ensures direct proximity to the airline’s core operational center while providing cutting-edge workspace capabilities.

Accessibility stands as a critical design element, with the headquarters located just 10 meters from Mesheireb Metro Station. The facility has secured the prestigious SmartScore certification, a global standard for intelligent building design, underscoring its commitment to technological innovation and sustainability.

Advanced technological systems will fundamentally transform Qatar Airways’ daily operations. Sophisticated algorithms will enable predictive maintenance, allowing the airline to anticipate and prevent potential mechanical issues before they develop. The smart infrastructure will continuously monitor energy and resource consumption, driving operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The headquarters’ design emphasizes employee wellness, integrating digital platforms that offer comprehensive workplace amenities and interactive solutions. Msheireb Downtown Doha’s innovative urban landscape provides a forward-thinking backdrop, positioning Qatar Airways within an ecosystem of technological advancement and community-oriented infrastructure.

Feature Image by Aneesh Bapaye | X

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