Qatar eyes new routes after aircraft order

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Qatar Airways kicked off a week of deals for new aircraft on the opening day of the Paris Air Show by ordering nine extended range Boeing 777s.

The additional aircraft will help the airline open new routes and add capacity to its growing network.

The airline’s outstanding order for seven 777s will increase to 16 – and boost its current fleet of the model from 35 to 51 aircraft.

Chief executive?Akbar Al Baker said: “With its reliability, economics and range capability, the 777 will continue to play a key role in enabling Qatar Airways to operate more direct non-stop flights from our hub in Doha to destinations in many markets including Australasia and the United States.

“We have already shown a desire to open up new destinations in the US and the Boeing 777 will further feature in our expansion plans in this part of the world, in addition to increasing frequency to other destinations.

Qatar Airways has its newest aircraft, a 787 Dreamliner, on static display at the air show having flown direct from Boeing's assembly plant in Seattle. The new addition takes the carrier's Dreamliners up to six aircraft.

Tui Travel confirmed a $1.56 billion order for fuel efficient ‘Leap’ engines from manufacturer CFM International to power its 60 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 due for delivery from 2018. The travel group also has options on 60 additional Leap-powered 737s.

Tui Travel chief executive Peter Long said: “The Leap engine will provide outstanding fuel efficiency, along with best-in-class reliability and operating economics. That makes is a great fit for the 737 MAX and for our operations. We look forward to welcoming this new engine into our fleet.”

Airbus reportedly secured more orders than rival Boeing on the opening day of the show.

Airbus announced orders worth $18.3 billion to Boeing's $6.1 billion. The largest of these was a provisional order of 20 A380s by aircraft financin