Doha: Qatar Airways (QA) marked its return to the India Aviation International Exhibition and Conference with the display of its A350 new-generation aircraft for medium- to long-haul operations.
Making its first public appearance in India, the ultra-modern aircraft grabbed attention from visitors and VIPs with its custom-designed interiors and innovative design.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the fifth edition of the event, the country’s largest exhibition and conference on civil aviation, being held in Hyderabad from Wednesday to Sunday. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati was present.
QA, the global launch customer of the A350, celebrated one year of operations in January with the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft.
Its A350 flies to four destinations — Frankfurt, Munich, Philadelphia and Singapore in three continents: Asia, Europe and North America, and soon will fly to Adelaide and Boston and the second daily flight to New York.
Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group, said: “It gives us immense pride to be part of India Aviation 2016 and we are delighted to showcase our A350 for the first time here.
“We remain committed to India and look forward to developing our footprint to give the Indian travelling public a wide choice of services. This will expand opportunities for business and tourism and create jobs in aviation and allied industries.”
Like Qatar, he said, the Indian economy is experiencing robust growth. “QA serves over 150 destinations with award-winning service, and we serve more cities in India than any other country in our network.
“We fly to 13 Indian cities operating 102 passenger flights and 30 freighter flights every week. This market will always be a key part of our growth strategy and we look forward to growing our presence in India.”
QA’s A350 offers the latest in design and technology, and combined with the airline’s award-winning service, it has taken passenger experience to the highest level. QA operates eight A350s, the largest number in the world.
The A350 is a faster, more efficient aircraft as a result of its tapered wing, marking an evolution in aerodynamic design. Ergonomically designed for maximum space and comfort, the A350 also has an extra-wide cabin, high ceilings and panoramic windows with electromechanical shades that go from transparent to opaque in Business Class.
A model of efficiency by design, the A350 is one of the lightest aircraft of its type, made from advanced composite materials and powered by two new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
This also makes it kinder to the earth, with 25 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions than with current generation aircraft in its category.
QA operates every family of Airbus’ modern airliner portfolio comprising the A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380.
The Peninsula
