Qatar Airways has raised $500 million in finance to acquire three new Boeing 777s - two recently delivered -300ERs and a -200LR due for delivery in the spring.
“In the current financial climate banks are focusing their liquidity on the strongest airlines,” says Qatar chief executive Akbar Al-Baker. “We have built up a strong reputation in the international marketplace with a solid long-term growth strategy that can weather any crisis.”
Qatar currently has four 777s in the fleet. Its -300ERs are configured with 335 seats – 42 in business, 293 in economy. Arranged 2-2-2, the business seats are set at 78in pitch and convert to fully flat beds, with the airline’s Oryx Entertainment IFE service delivered through Panasonic’s eX2 system feeding 15.4in screens. In the economy cabin the seats are arranged 3-3-3, set at pitches of up to 34in and featuring a 10.6in screen and, as in business class, laptop power.
The first of the airline’s 777-200LRs will have 42 seats in business and 193 in economy and will be deployed on Doha-Houston, which at 17hr is one of the longest airline flight durations in the world.
Qatar has ordered a total of 32 777s – 14 -300ERs, six -200LRs and seven -200 freighters – and has a further five on option. It has also contracted for 80 Airbus A350s and five A380s, and 60 Boeing 787s.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
Connect with us on socials
