British Prime Minister David Cameron was joined by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker and Airbus Group chief executive Tom Enders at the official opening of the week-long Farnborough Air Show 2014 in southern England.
The Prime Minister spent time in the cockpit and toured the interior of the Airbus A350, for which Qatar Airways is the global launch customer. The aircraft was a key part of the flying display at this year’s show and was displayed in Qatar Airways’ livery.
The flying display celebrated 100 years of aviation, and featured aircraft from every decade of the last century. Overall, Qatar Airways had on display at Farnborough an Airbus A350, an A320 and a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with the latter two on static display.
At the opening Mr Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is pleased to be at the heart of this year’s Farnborough Air Show. We have three of the finest aircraft in the world on display, demonstrating our dynamic growth and focus on world-class quality, and are confident this week will be a successful showcase for Qatar Airways.”
Now in its advanced flight test programme phase, the A350 XWB aircraft are scheduled to enter commercial service in the fourth quarter of 2014. Qatar Airways has ordered 80 aircraft to date, leaning towards the larger A350-900 and A350-1000 models, which, the airline says, suits its business model and passenger requirements.