Qatar Airways has engaged with both Boeing Co (NYSE:BA, ETR:BCO) and Airbus Group (EPA:AIR) over a hefty order of between 100 and 150 wide-body jets.
This is set to be for models of Airbus’ A350 or Boeing’s 777X models, according to Bloomberg-cited sources.
Demand for newer wide-body aircraft models has soared in recent years, with a resurgence in travel since the pandemic having fuelled this further.
However, ongoing supply chain issues have led to lengthy delays being faced on orders from both Boeing and Airbus.
Requests were submitted to each for the order in a bid “to create some competition between both suppliers” as a result, Qatar chief executive Badr Mohammed Al Meer told CNBC on Thursday.
“We are affected when our aircraft are not being delivered on time,” he said.
“I know Airbus and Boeing have certain problems. We have full trust in both organisations and they’re strong enough to overcome those problems.”
As per Al Meer, Qatar plans to bolster its fleet to expand further into the likes of China, India, Australia, Japan, Korea, as well as capitalise on momentum from the 2022 World Cup.