United Kingdom | April 24, 2017– Inmarsat (ISAT:L) is pleased to note that Qatar Airways has today announced its intention to install Global Xpress (GX) Aviation across its flagship fleet.

Qatar Airways would be the first Middle Eastern airline to select GX Aviation’s inflight broadband solution and the company has stated that the service would initially be available to passengers onboard more than 130 of its aircraft.

GX technology has already been equipped on a line-fit basis on selected Qatar Airways Airbus A350s. Installations on the airline’s remaining Airbus A350s, together with the Boeing 777s, are planned to commence on a retrofit basis this Summer.

GX Aviation is the world’s first inflight connectivity solution with reliable, seamless high-speed global coverage provided through a single operator. GX Aviation gives airlines the freedom to provide unique passenger experiences that go beyond basic broadband to include streamed entertainment, advanced inflight shopping, and digital and personalised services that transform airline/passenger relationships.

Extensive trials over the past year culminates in landmark contract to track all of the airline’s flights around the world using advanced new space-based solution
Qatar | April 25, 2017– Leading international airline Qatar Airways has activated an advanced new space-based system, supplied by Inmarsat, to track all of its flights across the world.

Inmarsat worked exclusively with Qatar Airways to develop this cutting-edge solution, which covers its current route network of over 150 destinations worldwide, in addition to any future routes that will be introduced. It utilises Inmarsat’s market-leading satellite technology to provide the exact real-time location of the airline’s aircraft in latitude and longitude.

Qatar Airways signed a contract with Inmarsat following the successful conclusion of active performance trials across its fleet over the past year, which proved that the tracking system exceeds the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s new flight reporting standards.

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “Qatar Airways has a reputation for pioneering ground-breaking new innovations in global aviation. Our partnership with Inmarsat for this global flight tracking system has once again reinforced our commitment to the highest levels of aviation safety for our passengers and employees.”

Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Inmarsat is the backbone of global aviation safety, delivering over 35 million aircraft position reports last year alone. Unlike other systems that promise space-based global flight tracking somewhere in the future, we have been providing real time flight tracking for Qatar Airways for some time. We are pleased to be working with an airline that is so highly committed to safety and innovation.”

• Airline introduces fully-integrated web-based hosting of policies and manuals for real-time access and authoring
• Qatar Airways and subsidiary companies all using live web documentation management

Dublin, Ireland | November 21, 2016– The Qatar Airways Group has gone ‘live’ with a state-of-the-art documentation management system to enable the airline and its subsidiaries to host and share corporate manuals and policies with staff in real-time.

Qatar Airways has implemented AeroDocs software from Arconics, a ViaSat company, to provide a single centralised repository to revise and track all operational and non-operational company manuals and documentation for operational readiness. The ability to create, author, edit and mark all changes in a visible manner over the web enables team members to easily keep abreast of, and be alerted to, relevant procedural modifications as and when they happen.

From a safety and security standpoint, the carrier has been pro-active in following an IOSA recommendation to have documentation managed under “a centralised corporate scheme of document hierarchy”. The system provides the tools necessary to establish a routine regulatory compliance programme.

Qatar Airways administrators now have real-time visibility of a highly efficient distribution process, which ensures that various outputs such as web browsers, laptops and electronic flight bags, are simultaneously synchronised and all staff have access to the current version of documents. Arconics has integrated AeroDocs into existing Qatar Airways Group systems to minimise the operational overhead, and ensure accuracy of information and consistency across all systems.

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President, Group Safety and Security, Mr. Ashish Jain remarked: “With Qatar Airways’ exponential growth, we invest in technology that will integrate our teams and create efficient platforms that cut across time zones and barriers. With this live corporate documentation management system, the web-based functionality created especially for Qatar Airways, allows us to maintain consistency, regulatory compliance and quality control in a manner that is in line with our business growth plans.”

Furthermore, the system allows authors to collaborate more easily with best-in-class web-based editing functionality and document owners and regulators can manage and approve new revisions seamlessly. With the AeroDocs system, corporate policies and manuals can be viewed from mobile devices and configured for defined user groups too.

The accessibility of the web-based hosting system allows Qatar Airways to equip its staff with regular updates and ease of access to review essential corporate manuals and provides the tools to establish a routine regulatory compliance programme. Qatar Airways employees will be further trained on the system via an innovative digital learning module blended with brief instructor led workshops.

Arconics Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Niall O’Sullivan remarked: “Success in safety and compliance depends on shared knowledge that is communicated via an airline’s documentation. By enabling subject matter experts to collaborate more effectively and providing real-time tracking and management of the publication and distribution process, we strengthen safety and compliance across the enterprise.

“One of the most satisfying elements of this successful deployment of AeroDocs has been the high level of collaboration between the Qatar Airways project team and the project managers and developers at Arconics. By working closely together, we have built a system that will keep Qatar Airways at the leading edge of safety and compliance for many years to come.”

AeroDocs, the safety and compliance document management system for aviation is now available for deployment to airlines worldwide. AeroDocs will be demonstrated at the 10th Annual Flight Ops Conference, LHR, 29-30 November 2016.

• Arconics to Unveil AeroDocs, Nextgen Airline Document and Compliance Management Software at WASS 2016

Dublin, Ireland | April 21, 2016– Aviation software company Arconics announces that it will display its nextgen digital document control software, AeroDocs, at the World Aviation Safety Summit, to be held in Dubai, UAE, on April 25-26, 2016.

AeroDocs is reliable, trusted airline document control software. AeroDocs software is currently being deployed by Qatar Airways, to help ensure continuing compliance across the airline’s mixed fleet. Our software can be quickly deployed to solve immediate problems, and can scale up as needs grow. Digital document control and regulatory compliance come easy with AeroDocs Document Management System.

Nancy Derby, IOSA-certified Document Control and Compliance Team Leader at Arconics (pictured left), said:

“An effective management system should be underpinned by the principals of compliance, quality and safety assurance. Document management plays a significant role as part of this system, aimed at achieving the highest global aviation compliance standards. Regulators provide an oversight to ensure that compliance is maintained by service providers. This is achieved with planned and unplanned audits and inspections.

“The AeroDocs software approach makes it easier to keep track of document revisions, ownership, approvals, change requests and acknowledgements (of who has read the documents). One of the key elements of controlled documents is accessibility: for staff to have access to the relevant document, the latest version and, most importantly, access to the correct information where needed. Which brings us to the challenge that most operators face: preventing the use of incorrect documentation/revisions and for documents to be securely managed in order to avoid uncontrolled modifications, drafts or copies.

“In order to achieve compliance standards set by aviation regulators, for starters an operator must provide the infrastructure to make the correct information available where needed to facilitate collective ownership of the management systems within the organisation. AeroDocs delivers that infrastructure.”

Niall O’Sullivan, CEO at Arconics (pictured right), said:

“Our vision of the connected aircraft software ecosystem unites all the participants in the journey, from airline management to regulators, from Ops Control to the flightcrew, from cabin crew to the passengers. We need to ensure that the right data is always available to the right people at the right time.

“AeroDocs Airline Document Management System gives operators complete control over their digital documents. Control is a critical factor in a successful safety policy, and maintaining up-to-date records. This contributes greatly to successful safety audit outcomes.”

AeroDocs document control software is loaded with features and benefits, to meet the needs of every airline type:

1. The creation of complex XML documents is simplified in an intuitive web editor that enables policy makers and subject matter experts to easily edit, review and approve documents.
2. Collaboration among teams helps to boost productivity.
   Automated creation of indexes, tables and front-matter speed up complex document creation and prevents errors in the revision cycle.
3. Standardisation can be enforced across all documents with policy controls
4. Document readers get the best user experience with enhanced search and annotation capability.
5. Tracked digital distribution enables the transition to paperless cockpit and operations.
6. Effectivity management allows the easy creation and maintenance of aircraft-specific manuals.
7. Pilots get fast document access, with lightning-fast scope search, across the digital library.
8. Pilot experience is central to the AeroDocs Viewer – annotations and highlights are stored.
9. Up to 40kg less weight per flight (Vs paper EFB), delivering significant fuel savings across the airline.
10. Greater fuel economies bring environmental benefits.
11. Regulatory compliance and audits are made easier, with records of all controlled document distribution.
12. Can be delivered as a fully hosted solution or installed on premise.

 

• Qatar: launch customer for OnAir’s connectivity

Geneva | January 7, 2015– OnAir’s full inflight connectivity suite, including Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir, is being installed as line fit on Qatar Airways’ brand new A350s the first of which was unveiled in Doha today, January 7, 2015. Passengers can now choose between mobile phone connectivity and Wi-Fi, depending on their preference.

While flying, passengers have been taking to social media to say how much they like inflight connectivity and appreciate staying online.

“OnAir’s innovation has ensured that the internal technology matches the ground-breaking work that has gone into the construction of the A350,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir. “We are helping Qatar Airways give its passengers the most up-to-date solutions which fall in line with passengers’ expectations of a 5-Star Airline.”

OnAir’s next generation inflight connectivity services, using GX Aviation, will be launched on the A350 in 2016. Inmarsat’s ground-breaking global Ka-band network will provide up to 50Mbs to the aircraft. Importantly, the passenger experience will be consistent across the globe.

“OnAir has been at the forefront of the inflight connectivity market since the very beginning. I am very proud that we’re continuing our tradition with another first for the industry with the launch of GX Aviation,” continued Ian Dawkins.  “We understand the importance of providing the very best services available to the aircraft. Qatar Airways is a long-standing and loyal OnAir customer – its choice of OnAir inflight connectivity for its A350s speaks volumes about the service we are able to deliver.”

The OnAir-connected A350 will initially fly on the Doha-Frankfurt route.

Geneva | October 23, 2014– Qatar Airways’ first A380, which is fully connected, entered revenue service this month. It is operating between Doha and London. The airline’s nine other A380s will also be serviced with both Mobile OnAir and the next generation Internet OnAir.

OnAir’s SwiftBroadband-based mobile phone and Wi-Fi inflight connectivity is now successfully deployed on over half the world’s A380s. This news cements OnAir’s position as the A380 onboard connectivity expert.

“Qatar Airways has provided connectivity for its passengers for nearly five years. Keeping passengers connected everywhere they fly around the world is an integral part of the airline’s exceptional cabin offering,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir.

“Qatar Airways is one of the pioneers of inflight connectivity on both long- and short-haul aircraft. Its use of OnAir is evidence that our connectivity is ideal for every aircraft type. And it is obvious that OnAir is the go-to company for A380 connectivity. We are the only service provider with multiple inflight connectivity systems. We can therefore meet the airline’s connectivity requirements across all fleets.”

OnAir is platform agnostic, offering a choice of airborne systems to suit every fleet’s needs. Qatar Airways short-haul fleet of A320-family aircraft has been equipped with the Airbus Standalone GSM system since 2009 when the service was launched, and the B787 fleet uses Thales’ TopConnect hardware.

• Order includes purchase rights commitment for 50 additional 777Xs

• Airline also announces intent to order four 777 Freighters, options for another four

Farnborough, UK | July 16, 2014/PRNewswire/– Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways have finalized an order for 50 777-9Xs, valued at $18.9 billion at current list prices. The 777X order, first announced as a commitment at the 2013 Dubai Airshow, was part of the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history.

In addition, the airline announced a commitment for 50 additional 777-9X purchase rights. If exercised, that would take Qatar’s 777X order tally to 100 airplanes valued at $37.7 billion at list prices.

Qatar Airways also announced their intent to order four 777 Freighters and options for four more, with a combined value of $2.4 billion at list prices.

“Qatar Airways continuously builds upon its successful fleet program, and this latest announcement demonstrates the quality equipment we acquire to deliver on our signature Five-Star service,” said His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways. “The Boeing 777 is the backbone of our fleet and is highly amenable to the standards Qatar Airways upholds. We look forward to building on our legacy with the next-generation 777-9X.”

“Qatar Airways took delivery of its first 777 a few short years ago, and we are honored to see this partnership continue to grow and strengthen,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. “Today signifies a new chapter in our relationship with Qatar Airways’ endorsement of the 777X, as well as their ongoing confidence in the value of the 777 Freighter. These orders validate the market-leading role that the 777 and now the 777X will continue to play in the Middle East’s passenger and cargo market.”

The 777X will introduce the latest technologies including the most advanced commercial engine ever – the GE9X by GE Aviation – and an all-new high efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than today’s 777. The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X, both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences.

The 777-9X will be 12 percent more fuel efficient than any competing airplane, necessary in today’s competitive environment. The 777-8X is 5 percent more efficient than its competitor at all ranges while providing for new network opportunities. Design of the 777X is underway and production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020. To date, the 777X has accumulated 300 orders and commitments from six customers worldwide.

Boeing is the undisputed air cargo market leader, providing over 90 percent of the total worldwide dedicated freighter capacity. The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 km) with a full payload and general cargo market densities, making it the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter. The airplane’s range capability translates into significant savings for cargo operators: fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

• First twin-aisle launch in history to achieve 259 orders and commitments

• 777X will be the largest, most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world

• Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways commit to 777X

• The 777X advances the world’s most efficient, flexible twin-aisle family

Dubai, UAE | November 17, 2013/PRNewswire/–Boeing [NYSE:BA] today launched the 777X program at the 2013 Dubai Airshow with a record-breaking number of customer orders and commitments for the newest member of its twin-aisle product family. Agreements for 259 airplanes from four customers across Europe and the Middle East provide a strong foundation to support development and production of the airplane.

Representing the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by dollar value, 777X orders and commitments include Lufthansa with 34 airplanes; Etihad Airways with 25; Qatar Airways with 50 and Emirates with 150 airplanes. The combined value of the agreements is more than $95 billion at list prices.

“We are proud to partner with each of these esteemed airlines to launch the 777X – the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “Its ground-breaking engine technologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and growth potential to our customers.”

The 777X builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777, which today commands 55 percent of market share in its category in terms of backlog, and 71 percent of the in-service fleet worldwide. The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X, both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences.

The 777X builds on the best-in-class dispatch reliability from today’s 777, as well as offering more market coverage and revenue capability that surpasses the competition. The 777-8X competes directly with the A350-1000, while the 777-9X is in a class by itself.

Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, the 777-9X offers seating for more than 400 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. With a range of more than 8,200 nautical miles (15,185 km), the airplane will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane.
The second member of the family, the 777-8X, will be the most flexible jet in the world. The airplane will seat 350 passengers and offer an incredible range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles (17,220 km). In addition, the airplane will have unmatched takeoff and payload capability compared to the competition.

“The airplane will build on the market-leading 777 and will provide superior operating economics,” said Conner. “The airplane will be 12 percent more fuel efficient than any competing airplane, necessary in today’s competitive environment.”

The 777X introduces the latest technologies in multiple places, including the most advanced commercial engine ever – the GE9X by GE Aviation – and an all-new high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than today’s 777. The airplane’s folding, raked wingtip and optimized span deliver greater efficiency, significant fuel savings and complete airport gate compatibility.

Like the 787 Dreamliner which was launched as the 7E7, the 777X will be formally named at a later date. Design of the 777X is underway and suppliers will be named in the coming months. Production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020.

• Deal worth $2.8bn for up to 13 A330-200Fs including options
• Complementing three A330-200Fs already operated by Qatar Airways

November 17, 2013–Qatar Airways has placed a firm order for five new Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft in an agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow 2013. These new aircraft will complement the airline’s rapidly growing network, which includes more than 40 routes that have dedicated freighter services. Included in the order are eight additional A330-200F options – which would make today’s deal potentially worth over $2.8bn at list prices for a total of 13 aircraft. These aircraft on order will complement three A330-200Fs Qatar Airways already operates since earlier this year.

“The A330 Family has demonstrated outstanding operational reliability and performance for both our passenger and cargo transport operations. It is with this in mind that we chose to expand our freighter fleets with more A330-200Fs,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO. “We aim to be the best in everything we do, the air cargo market is no different, which is why we ordered the most modern and economic cargo aircraft available in its category.”

Airbus President and CEO, Fabrice Brégier said, “Qatar Airways is one of our key partners in the region, and its selection of the A330-200F illuminates its ambitious plans as the airline expands and invests in new freighter aircraft. The A330-200F, with up to 70 metric tonnes of payload, is the only viable alternative to large freighters in today’s fast changing market, making it an ideal choice for a constantly evolving carrier.”

Qatar Airways continues to be a highly valued customer and partner with Airbus – a relationship which has flourished since the airline received its first Airbus aircraft in 1997. Today Airbus aircraft form an ever more essential cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ global operations with more than 200 aircraft directly ordered across all modern Airbus product families, from the single-aisle A320 all the way up to the flagship A380.

Aimed at replacing ageing mid-sized freighters, the A330-200F offers an alternative to larger freighters within fleets. Benefiting from the technical superiority and market success of the A330 passenger version, it will offer opportunities to grow frequencies in under-served markets at no additional cost-per-tonne.

The A330-200F is the world’s most modern mid-size freighter and can carry 70 tonnes of payload, with a range capability of up to 4,000nm. This range and payload capability provides flexibility for both regional and intercontinental operations, versatility to match costs and frequencies with market expectations, thereby allowing operators to grow existing business and expand into new routes.

– Deal worth up to $2.8 billion includes firm orders for two airplanes and commitments for seven more

Le Bourget, France | June 17, 2013– Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways today announced agreements for nine Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes at the 2013 Paris Air Show. The agreements include a firm order for two airplanes previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing Commercial Airplanes Orders and Deliveries website, plus a commitment for an additional seven airplanes. The total value of the agreement is $2.8 billion at current list prices.

The Doha-based airline currently operates 35 Boeing passenger and cargo 777s of various types, including 22 777-300ERs, nine 777-200LR (Longer Range) airplanes and four 777 Freighters.

The two firm airplanes give Qatar Airways a backlog of nine Boeing 777s. When the additional seven become firm, the backlog will rise to 16.

“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,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, speaking at a press conference at Le Bourget on the opening day of the Paris Air Show.
“We have already shown a desire to open up new destinations in the U.S., and the Boeing 777 will further feature in our expansion plans in this part of the world.”

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 125 aircraft to 128 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.

Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in November 2007. In September 2011, the airline received a 777-200LR that became the 100th airplane to join its fleet.

“It is a great honor to have Qatar Airways operate the 777 as its long-haul flagship aircraft,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777’s unrivaled economics and customer-preferred passenger experience make it a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ success.”

The demand for the Boeing 777 led to an increased production rate of 8.3 per month — 100 airplanes per year — in February 2013. In the past three years, the 777 program has increased rate two times, first from five airplanes per month to seven in 2011, then to the current, all-time high rate of 8.3.

As of May 2013, 1,105 777s have been delivered and a total of 1,452 have been ordered by 68 customers around the globe.

– Strong customer commitment for the high capacity A350-1000

December 3, 2012– The State of Qatar’s national airline, Qatar Airways and Airbus have signed an amendment to convert its existing firm order for twenty (20) A350-800’s, forty (40) A350-900’s and twenty (20) A350-1000’s to forty three (43) A350-900’s and thirty seven (37) A350-1000’s. Qatar Airways’ total order for A350 XWB aircraft remains at eighty (80) aircraft.

“We have taken the time necessary to come to today’s decision in favour of the larger A350 XWB models which we believe are best suited to our business model,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ CEO.

“Qatar Airways has been involved in the development of the A350 XWB from the very early days. So we are truly delighted with their decision to grow their business with the two larger A350 XWB models,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus’ President and CEO. “This decision by Qatar Airways not only confirms the market trend towards larger A350’s but it also demonstrates the value of offering, as we do with the A350 XWB, a true family of aircraft from which our customers can select the models that best meet their individual requirements.”

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all new family of mid-size wide body airliners. These highly efficient aircraft bring together the latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies to provide up to 25 percent better fuel efficiency and operating costs compared to current aircraft in the same size category. Over 70 percent of the A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced materials combining composites (53 percent), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys. The aircraft’s innovative all-new Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) fuselage results in lower fuel burn as well as easier maintenance. The A350 XWB benefits from Airbus’ high level of expertise in incorporating composite material into its aircraft.

Paris Air Show, 16 June, 2009 – Thales, a leader in inflight entertainment systems,
is pleased to announce that Qatar Airways has selected the Thales TopSeries
system for its fleet of 30 Airbus single aisle aircraft. The airline will provide its
passengers a comprehensive audio and video on-demand entertainment and
information experience in all classes of service with first aircraft delivery scheduled
for November 2009.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Office Akbar Al Baker said the new system would give
passengers unprecedented entertainment options on its narrow body fleet. “Seatback
screens and audio video on demand are new to our single aisle fleet and we
wanted to be ensure that our IFE offering was of the highest standards, Qatar
Airways believes the Thales system offers the product features and reliability our
passengers and crews will appreciate. We look forward to offering our customers
compelling entertainment system.”.

Retrofit and line-fit installations are part of the program requirement, and the airline
has included the option for an additional 10 aircraft. “We are very pleased to be
working with Qatar Airways and share their vision to provide passengers a wide
range of entertainment choice,” said Alan Pellegrini, Vice President and General
Manager of Thales’ Inflight Entertainment Systems business. Thales continues to
grow its presence in the Middle East with now over 200 aircraft in the region
committed to flying with the TopSeries system.

Doha-based national carrier, Qatar Airways, has signed a firm contract for 24 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. The agreement includes the firming up of a contract for four A321 aircraft announced at the Farnborough Air show in July 2008.

Qatar Airways currently operates 19 A320 Family aircraft, the Middle East’s largest fleet. The new aircraft configured with a two-class cabin will be deployed to enhance and expand services on regional, Eastern European and south west Asia services.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “The additional Airbus A320s and A321s give Qatar Airways a firm footing in the rapid development and expansion of our regional network. Qatar Airways is determined to grow with the world’s best aircraft at the heart of a modern and fuel efficient fleet, and this A320 Family order will ensure that our narrow-body fleet is the youngest and best equipped in the region.”

In addition to 19 A320 Family aircraft, Qatar’s current in-service fleet includes four A340-600s and the region’s largest fleet of 29 A330s.

“Qatar Airways’s partnership with Airbus dates back to the early 1990’s, and we take great pride that it is stronger today than ever before. Qatar already operates a modern fleet of eco-efficient Airbus’ and we are delighted that with the equally efficient A320, Airbus is forming the backbone of Qatar’s modern fleet,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

Qatar Airways is one of the world’s leading airlines, with a fleet that includes A320s, A300Fs, A330s and A340 aircraft including the ACJ corporate jet. Qatar Airways is also a customer for the 21st Century flagship, the A380 and is the largest customer for the A350 XWB.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Over 6,300 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and almost 3,900 delivered to more than 300 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever.

With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.

LAKE FOREST, California – 07 April 2009 – Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), a leading global provider of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communications systems, congratulates five of its customers for their “best in-flight entertainment.” For ten years, the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards have acknowledged those airlines that have used technology innovation to benefit the flying public. The 2009 award honorees are:

1. Emirates
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Virgin Atlantic Airways
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Qatar Airways

This year’s winners were commemorated at an event at the Aircraft Interiors Exposition in Hamburg, Germany.

“Each year, the World Airline Awards seeks to recognize airlines for their ongoing efforts to utilize technology in order to benefit the flying public,” said Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “We are delighted that these five outstanding airlines have been recognized for their ongoing efforts in innovations that enhances the passenger experience. We applaud them for their creative use of IFE technology to provide the best quality product and service for their passengers.”

The 2009 World Airline Awards are based on the annual World Airline Survey by SKYTRAX, which was conducted between August 2008 and March 2009. The prestigious and highly coveted awards are recognized around the world for its global, independent passenger survey of airline standards.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.

Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC). Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, with over 3,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.

Geneva, Switzerland, 3 April 2009 – Qatar Airways and OnAir today announced agreement to install Mobile OnAir inflight passenger communications services on the airline’s entire single-aisle Airbus fleet. They will operate in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and across Europe.

Passengers will be able to stay connected inflight using their own mobile phones or BlackBerry-type devices to send and receive text messages and emails, and access the Internet. They will also be able to access the Internet using their own laptops fitted with GSM data cards. Airlines equipped with OnAir services can choose to provide voice and data or data services only, depending on time of day and passenger preferences.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, said “Our commitment is to provide travellers with the very highest quality of service in the air and on the ground. The latest technology provided by Mobile OnAir is absolutely in line with Qatar Airways’ Five Star ranking for service and excellence.”

“OnAir is proud to have been selected after a thorough evaluation by one of the most demanding airlines in terms of passenger service and comfort,” said Benoit Debains, CEO of OnAir. “Mobile OnAir provides global coverage, a full range of service and the highest levels of performance.”

Mobile OnAir uses the industry’s most advanced and extensive infrastructure for mobile communications, along with Inmarsat SwiftBroadband, high capacity services from Inmarsat 4th generation satellites. This gives passengers and airlines the best reach and performance available today.

Passenger can use Mobile OnAir to stay in touch as they fly on over 6,000 flights each month, to over 160 cities in over 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

The Qatar Airways announcement, which is subject to signing a service agreement, comes amidst mounting demand for inflight passenger communications. A growing number of commercial airlines and private aviation companies either currently offer OnAir inflight communications services or will offer them in the near future. OnAir is negotiating agreements with a number of major airlines which will be announced during the course of 2009.

OnAir also serves private VIP and Governmental customers through partnerships with Airbus Corporate Jets, Aviation Centre Cologne and Jet Aviation.

According to a recent passenger survey, 80% of passengers who have used Mobile OnAir services on selected flights would like these services to be available on every flight.

About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways will operate a fleet of 110 aircraft by 2013 – almost double the existing size. The airline has ordered 80 Airbus A350s, 60 Boeing 787s and 32 Boeing 777s, with deliveries of the latter having started in November 2007. The airline is one of the customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380 ‘super jumbos’ with five on order and scheduled for delivery from 2012. At the Farnborough Air Show in 2008, the airline also ordered six Airbus A321s. Qatar Airways is due to move to the New Doha International Airport in 2012 when the first phase of the new facility is scheduled to open. For more information, visit www.ndiaproject.com.

Qatar Airways is one of only six airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the sixth year running in 2008 and the airline was voted Best in the Middle East for the third year in a row following a survey of more than 15 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto www.qatarairways.com.

About OnAir
OnAir is the leading provider of inflight communications, enabling passengers to stay connected during their flight, and airlines to offer new services and generate additional revenues. Present on four of five continents, OnAir provides the only air-travel industry sponsored solution, now available to regular and low-cost airlines, to private and corporate jets, on Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and on long and short-haul flights. OnAir is the only provider of services based on SwiftBroadband, the latest high-bandwidth satellite technology from Inmarsat, which offers GSM and GPRS for voice, data and Internet.

OnAir was incorporated in February 2005 and is owned by SITA, the leading IT solutions provider to the air transport world and Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer. OnAir is a member of the GSM Association and an Inmarsat Distribution Partner for SwiftBroadband services.

More information about OnAir is available at www.onair.aero.

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 24, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] yesterday delivered the second of eight 777-200LRs (Longer Range) jetliners that have been ordered by Qatar Airways. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett in the early afternoon on a shuttle flight of more than 14 hours to its new operational base at Doha International Airport. Qatar Airways has ordered 17 777-300ERs (Extended Range), five of which have been delivered, and two 777 Freighters for future delivery. The first Boeing 777-200LR to join the airline’s fleet arrived in Doha Feb. 8.