May 13, 2020
The Doha-based airline will downsize its active fleet by 25% during the recovery period from the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Al-Akbar doesn't expect full recovery over the next three years.
“I think I would be very surprised if things will happen before 2023/2024,"
Al Baker said.
The gulf carrier's previous plan was to retire its ten Airbus A380s from 2024, but the superjumbos could already have made their last flight.
Al Baker said on May 11 during a media briefing.
The first A380 joined the Qatari fleet in September 2014, with a spacious and stunningly configured Business Class lounge on the upper deck.
Al Baker confirmed that the A380s would not be upgraded with the new Qsuites.
"We feel that the aircraft does not have a very long future in Qatar Airways' fleet. We would think about retiring those airplanes on their 10th anniversary unless something untoward happens and we need them,"
the Qatari CEO said.
