Qatar Airways reconsiders: return of A380s in time for Christmas
Qatar Airways' backward step regarding its Airbus A380s is surprising. In March 2020, the carrier had decided [...]
Qatar Airways
Oneworld
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Qatar Airways' backward step regarding its Airbus A380s is surprising. In March 2020, the carrier had decided to set aside these aircraft. The idea was to permanently ground at least half of the A380s, defined as the Worst planes currently in circulation.
The carrier's CEO had not minced words: "The worst mistake in the company's history." However, fate can be rather mocking, and now Qatar Airways must turn its eyes precisely in the direction of these aircraft, whose return to flight could prove salvific. According to reports from "Executive Traveller," it does indeed appear that at least five aircraft could make a comeback by November 2021.
The return of the A380s
In 2020, it was decided to "park" 10 models, and now 5 of them will return to flight, and according to the news in circulation, the possibility that All A380s set aside may return to flight during 2022.
The carrier is reasoning about what the demands will be in the coming months. The increase in the number of vaccinated people in the world will certainly push a large number of people to arrange travel in the winter period, with the peak expected in December, of course. Qatar Airways was unsure whether it could meet the demand, so it retraced its steps, purely as a matter of numbers: "We need to find spaces for our passengers," explained CEO Akbar Al Baker - Who need to reach their loved ones for Christmas."
But will the projected demand really be so great, beyond expectation, as to require the return of A380s in addition to the aircraft available today? The answer requires clarification. As of today, the company cannot count on its full fleet.
In August they were in fact Set aside as many as 13 Airbus A350s. A forced choice, considering the advanced state of deterioration of the fuselage of the vehicles in question. Impossible to think of doing without them in such a "hot" period as Christmas. Strength is needed on the main routes. Here, then, is the return of the "worst planes ever purchased by the carrier." They may not be economically viable, not when compared to other models, they have room to spare and that is enough. The reasoning made was really that simple.
Great news for passengers
If Qatar Airways sees this as a detriment it would happily have liked to avoid, the same cannot be said for future passengers who will be booking flights on these craft in the coming months. Indeed, the A380 is the carrier's only aircraft to boast both first and business class on long-haul routes.
Specifically there are eight suites, 48 fully reclining seats and 461 standard seats occupying the central portion and part of the upper deck. Space also for an excellent bar behind business class. Economy passengers will certainly appreciate it as well, considering the ample space available, compared to the average.
To date, it has not yet been revealed on What routes will the A380s return to. An information that will certainly be made known in the coming weeks. This time frame will see the start of the maintenance process, which is essential before the aircraft can be returned to the skies after this long forced stop.
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