QATAR AIRWAYS showed its complete independence at the Paris Air Show by spurning offers from both Airbus and Boeing to organise press conferences. CEO Akbar Al Baker led his own briefing to the media where he announced that the hitherto exclusive Airbus operator would take the first of ”at least” 20 Boeing 777 in 2007 including the new 777 freighter (centre with management advisor Stephen Vella, left, and Qatar Airways General Manager Finance Richard Forson . From 2010 the airline plans to receive up to 60 Airbus A350. These will replace the Doha-based carrier”s Airbus A330, over the years the airline saying that the choice over the Boeing 787 was due to fleet commonality and ”slightly advantageous commercial terms”. Qatar wants to keep a foot in both camps. It also announced that it is set to become the first international airline to install live onboard satellite television as part of a US$100 million agreement with German company Lufthansa Technik. First delivery is due by the end of the year.
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