Qatar Airways retires passenger A330 fleet amid weaker demand
Some A330 pilots are being offered temporary placements with RwandAir as Qatar adjusts its operation.
Qatar Airways has ended passenger service with its Airbus A330 fleet while travel demand through the Gulf remains weak. The aircraft represented 7% of the airline’s capacity earlier this year, though many were already approaching retirement after earlier delivery delays kept them flying longer than planned.
The carrier operated 45 A330s over time: 29 A330-200s and 16 A330-300s. Four more aircraft leased from Oman Air never entered Qatar Airways service. The airline says fleet changes are part of its regular renewal process and expects 138 new aircraft during the next five years.
Qatar Airways is also dealing with surplus cockpit staff. A group of its A330 pilots has been offered voluntary, short-term secondments at RwandAir, an airline with established links to Qatar Airways. RwandAir acquired a former Qatar A330 earlier this year. At the same time, Qatar Airways is absorbing higher fuel expenses without currently adding those costs to fares, as weaker demand and competition limit its pricing room.
- The retired aircraft had been delivered beginning in 2002.
- Qatar Airways leased four A330s from Oman Air last year.
- RwandAir received a former Qatar Airways A330 earlier this year.
- The airline expects 138 aircraft deliveries within five years.
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