Qatar Airways new Boeing narrowbody order will come indirectly from an order placed by S7. The airline plans to deploy these aircraft for its short-haul routes.
At least nine MAX8s that were destined for the oneworld Alliance member were initially ordered by S7, however the sanctions brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have rendered them undeliverable.
Now, at least nine Boeing 737 MAX 8s are scheduled to be delivered to Qatar Airways.
“Qatar Airways recently had the opportunity to add a small number of B737-8 Max aircraft to its fleet in the coming months as it aims to add capacity to help drive future growth, especially in the short haul markets. As a rapidly growing airline, these efficient and modern aircraft are a welcome addition to the narrow body fleet to support our sustainable expansion plans as the world’s leading airline,” Qatar Airways confirmed in a statement to Doha News.
Air Lease Corporation made the order for S7’s 737 MAX aircraft back in 2012. Even though the 737 MAX crisis halted 737 MAX operations and deliveries to Russia, the Russian airline received its first 737 MAX in 2018.